This week's piece is a little different. Inspiration from a day out.

Last week an episode of the TV programme 'Landscape Artist of the year' was being filmed in nearby Whitby. Whitby is a remarkable seaside town in North Yorkshire, famous for many things including its dramatic clifftop abbey and 199 steps leading up to it, Captain James Cook, jet and kippers!

In each episode of 'Landscape Artist of the year' the contestants are given four hours to paint a scene in situ. Each artist depicts the scene in their chosen medium and on this occasion they were set a challenge to base their work on a personal narrative around Whitby's rich history.

I arrived early in the day, along with an artist friend. A line of pods was set up above the town on the cliff facing the abbey. From the start the event had a great atmosphere. The artists were already painting, and film crews were moving backwards and forwards between them, capturing different stages of their work. It was fascinating to listen to them being interviewed about their ideas, to witness how differently they painted the view, and to see the progression over the day. Nearby, there was another area where local artists could set themselves up and this too was lively and colourful.

We as audience were asked not to share any images of the artists or their work, to avoid spoilers for the series due to be broadcast next year. So I can't show you any details of the artists in action nor of the amazing paintings that evolved over the day. Watch next year!

Many different things caught my attention during the competition. I was in awe of the talent of the artists. What a gift to be able to translate a beautiful scene into a work of art. Another thing that inspired me was a snippet of a conversation I overheard between an artist and his family. 'I can't find my white spirit (cleaner). Please can you get me some?' One of the family started searching through the contents of a box in the pod. Another asked him when he last had it. They were keen to help. But after a minute or two someone said, 'Hey. Isn't that it right by you on the table?' And sure enough it was, literally in full view within a foot of his canvas. He was bewildered, 'How come I couldn't see it?'. The scenario immediately struck me as a great metaphor. Sometimes the things we are seeking or seem elusive are right there with us already. In this context, I loved too that it was 'spirit' he was looking for. It felt like a gentle reminder... that our inner wisdom/spirit is always available to us - we just need to quieten and focus our attention in the right place.

Landscape artist of the year. Whitby June 2026. Barbara Payman.

Filming crew and view. Whitby 2026. Barbara Payman

'White spirit'. Whitby, June 2026. Barbara Payman.

Creativity and intuition are deeply connected. This week's self-kindness invitation is to give time to your own creative endeavours, whatever they may be. Creativity can take many forms. It provides nourishment for the soul. A profound self-kindness.

Go well.

In warmth and kindness

Barbara