Thankyou all so much. I was having an extremely bad day bad life when I wrote this & I had forgotten. I hadn't ment to dump my emotional problems on anyone & I apologise, I think at the time I just wanted to tell someone anyone. the life I knew was gone. I hadn't planned on it being read. My Mum died in May 2016 around 2 weeks before her Birthday. As you suggested I have not given up on something that made me happier within my life, but like Suzanne nothing special, I now paint less trees, sadly. I know my Mum is with my still as Jen comments but i can ever hold her, cuddle, speak or listenj to hear ever again. I have asked for help but the opinion was that the help I had received in the past was deemed appropriate & enough to help me cope now. I am humbled by your comments & that you had taken time out of your day to bring me hope that artistically & mentally life will seem better in the future. Thankyou all again & may your kindnessess be rewarded. xHugsx

Chrissie, I am so sad for your loss... Your Mum may be physically gone from this world, but she will always be with you, she will always live within your heart and your memories.. Try to keep painting, use it to express your feelings and don't worry about being a better artist- it will come back when you're ready for it.

Chrissie, there are no words to describe how your online post makes me feel. I am sure even your message does not describe well how you feel. But I do know that our loved ones live in our hearts forever. I am sure she was proud of you painting. So do it for her. Surely it is difficult and at the moment you will feel that it is impossible that you can get back to your art. But try to think of what she would say about a painting you are working on. Think of her as alive. Parents live through their children. Get well for her, move on for her, and draw for her. I am a parent myself, and who knows what and when things will happen? But the first thing I want, dead or alive, is for my children to never give up when the time comes. I want my children to pursue their dreams for me and always think of me as alive. More importantly, see your doctor because a broken heart breaks physical health. You need to watch your health for your mom. You have to stand up on your feet for you mom. It will take time but you can do it. Jasmine

Hi Chrissie, I am so sorry for your loss, bereavement is a terrible place to be in, and sounds like you are struggling, do get professional help. I lost my Mum and then my Dad I was so close to them both, and like you I lost the will to paint, and half hearted dabbled in it as time went on, producing nothing. Eventually slowly but surely it came back like you a place I could absorb into, but it took time. Do not give up Chrissie painting will become a friend again but give it time. My heart goes out to you. Suzanne.

Dear Chrissie, Loss is always difficult to come to terms with, but don't give up your painting and keep talking to friends and relatives. Even artists who have not lost a loved one have down periods.

Chrissie, so sad to hear that your mother has passed away. You don't say when this happened but it is very natural to feel like you do now. For the moment I would advise you to see your doctor because I feel you probably need some help. Don't worry about the painting for the time being as this will come back to you as you start feeling better.