Take Heart!

 Welcome February! This month always gives me a glimmer of hope that Spring will come, no matter how dark the winter has been. Yesterday we had a brief thaw before several more inches of snow came our way. The view from my window this morning is gorgeous.

 February can warm up quickly or bring in blasts of arctic air to remind us that winter is still hanging on. Whatever happens, Spring will follow and I know I will be back in my garden chair and spending more time outdoors. I do need to be patient though. Every season takes its own time and will not be rushed. Despite the cold, I have enjoyed reading this winter. My bookshelves are full and I have a wonderful library here in my studio to explore. I have been reaching for fiction along with my study books. I am reading through The Wind in The Willows and enjoying the gorgeous artwork of Charles Van Sandwyk as well as the charming story.

 I feel like I am along the banks of the river with the characters and taking in all the sights and sounds. The illustrations and the whimsical writing have been transporting me into a a peaceful world as I enjoy the quiet pace of reading. Yesterday they were having a relaxing lunch along the riverbank and finds them in sudden peril in a wintery Wild Woods. It is a wonderful story!  I find myself looking forward to this time every morning as I take notes, and really contemplate about what I am reading. It has become a form of meditation for me and my studio time becomes even more productive as I feel so inspired after reading a few pages each day. This winter season has been enriched through this daily practice.

Studies with Beatrix Potter are part of each day's reading. I have read through her letters, her biography and now I am reading various essays about her work and life and how she has influenced others. All of the Potter readings and studying are to prepare me for a class in April through Ardington School. We have had to offer a second class in April because the first class sold out very quickly. If you are interested in joining the class, the registration info is online here. Martin Beek will give a wonderful lecture about Beatrix Potter and I will share the artistic insights I have gleaned into her work as the practical demonstration.  I am currently reading " So Shall I Tell You a Story which has been edited by Judy Taylor. 

The book contains various essays and contributions about the impact of Beatrix Potter. There have been some fascinating insights into her artwork that I had not yet gleaned from other sources. Although she was an amazing artist, she made mistakes like any other person, could feel rushed and overwhelmed and had definite feelings of burn out along the way. Nature steadied her and gave her a sense of purpose and balance. She was so much more than the creator of beautiful animal characters and I think she would continue to be amazed at the reach and impact of her work. I have had the most wonderful time exploring her drawings, pen and ink techniques and her iconic watercolours.

February's classes will start with  Faded Love Letters at Ardington school. Those who know me, understand my love of Victorian letters and typography. There is so much to explore and each time I work with these letters, I discover something new. Although, I have taught this class before, I have expanded the notes in step with my appreciation of the letters.0

 I have been enjoying indulging in these little studies. The letters have an underlying nature of abundant blooms, birds, decorative devices and incredibly inventive styles. They are perfect little letters for the month of February and will make gorgeous Valentines to send through the mail. Despite a huge hike in postal rates here in Canada, I think our friends and loved ones need a little lift of joy these days. These delicate little letters can really lift the spirits of someone who receives them.

Finally, this month, I will also be teaching an introductory course in Italian Hand for the Colleagues of Calligraphy. I will be introducing the class with a lecture on Friday February 13th, before the weekend workshop on the 14th and 15th. Italian Hand remains my most beloved Script hand as I can really be myself and explore creative variations. I recommend it as the first script hand to study because it is less pressurized than English Roundhand and far less rigid than Spencerian. Registration info is online through the Colleagues of Calligraphy here.

Wherever you are as you read this blog post, I hope you are finding joy and can steal some time away from your routine to pursue something peaceful. Take some time to meander along the pages of a fairy tale or put pen to paper with a beautiful flourish or written note. This world needs beauty, a message of hope and the encouragement of friends. Take heart, cheer each other on and create beauty in your corner of the world. Happy February Dear Friends. 

Chapter One, Page One

 

 Happy 2025 Dear Friends. January has officially begun and I wish all of you a year of peace, joy and health. I am at my studio desk looking out the window to a wet and rainy morning. My squirrels are well fed and there are house finches at the bird feeders.The grass is soggy and patchy and I can still see some red berries on the holly bush. It's a beautiful day. I think of the days, weeks, months and years as pages in a book. We turn the page and a new day begins. Each day is fresh and invites us to greet it. The beginning is always today. I am not good at setting or keeping resolutions. I find that my best days come with a sense of routine and weaving in daily rituals that I cherish. These special routines start way in advance of January if I am to have a good chance of keeping them.  I have found morning and evening routines that work really well for me. They give me a good start to the day and a gentle finish, so I hope to keep them going. Studio hours will be busy, but as long as I can get some quiet in the mornings and evenings, all will be well. 

I will be back teaching online with a very robust schedule starting later this month. I have added my teaching schedule to my website. You can find the pdf of the courses here. It is still not completely finalized so some of the subjects may change. There are lots of new classes coming up as well as some of my favourites that are back by popular request. I always refine the content of each class. Instructors evolve and grow. My vision for each class changes over time as I explore new techniques. It keeps things fresh and alive even though the themes are familiar.  Up first in January is Gossamer and Gold for the Gentle Penman.  You can also find other upcoming course registrations including a new year of Ardington Flourishing Club  here.

There is something so challenging in painting a butterfly and putting it in a delicate setting. I look forward to sharing what I have learned. So much has been gleaned from studies of Medieval Manuscripts. Every time I study the manuscripts I feel as if I am searching for clues the illuminator left along the way. The sensitivity that can be found in the manuscripts is really astounding. The images below were from a search on the Getty Museum website. Each manuscript can be so enticing as you study the techniques.

I often wonder what the illuminators were thinking as they painted the pages. We see glimmers of their process but we have to fill in a lot of the blanks on our own.  It seems that with so much study, my list of questions just continues to grow. But what a blessing to be able to search online and see such a wondrous array of manuscripts to spark inspiration. I am so excited to share this class. Along with a delicate colour palette we will also be designing a modified version of an acanthus setting. This style of setting should be accessible to all skill levels. I hope the students will create a project they will be proud to frame or turn into a card design.

As each new year begins, there is a word or an idea that I like to keep in mind. The word once again for this year is Peace. I hope you find peace in your life, in your community, with your friends and family and with the work of your hands. Sending hugs all around for the New Year ahead. May you Flourish.

Nostalgic Noel

Where did the time go? December is here with frost and chilly weather. We have had bits of snow here and there but nothing too much. The days have been very grey which makes the sunny moments so special here in Canada. I already miss my morning reading time with the squirrels and chickadees on the porch of my studio. It is just a bit too cold now.
But if a warm day peeks through the frost, I will be back out there! I usually get my Christmas cards in the mail on December 1st each year but there is a  strike at Canada Post which will delay things this year. But cards are addressed and waiting to be posted.

Which each card that I write, I think about the recipient and all that I appreciate about them. It is always such a joy to prepare the card and get it ready to post.

I am so sorry they will be delayed in getting out this year. As I think back on the year I appreciate all of the interactions I have had with my friends and students. I feel that my students teach me so much along the way. They share their hopes, their ideas, their challenges and their successes with me and I am so blessed to journey with you. There is one more Flourishing Club for 2024 which will be Nostalgic Noel.

I wanted this December Flourishing Club to be so special as we work on an antique rocking horse design. Festive Flourishes are always my favourites and I am looking forward to the session. There are spaces available if you want to try out the Flourishing Club experience. It will be fast paced to work on this design and it is definitely a challenge but you will have access to the recording and can take your time with this festive project. I will have a bit of a December break before jumping back in to classes for January. I will be updating my Faded Love Letters class for Ardington which will be ready for February. There is something about December that makes me nostalgic and quiet. It seems the perfect time to explore these beautiful letters.

 I am working on Gossamer and Gold for January and will share images next month. My website will be updated shortly with my teaching schedule for 2025. I wanted to thank you all for attending my courses, reading the blog and keeping in touch with me through notes and emails. Your friendships mean so much to me. Thank you for bringing me so much joy this year.
I look forward to new journeys with you next year. As this month progresses, I hope you find time to relax, visit family and friends and do the things that you love. May you find Hope, Peace and Joy in this beautiful season dear friends. You are such a blessing to me!

A Gathering Time

 This past month I have enjoyed stealing as much time as possible to soak in the last of the warm weather. Even if the mornings were cooler, I would bundle up in a jacket and blanket and read with my cup of coffee on the studio deck.

Squirrels, bluejays, crows, chipmunks and nuthatches were my constant companions.As I look out the studio window the grass is covered with dried leaves and my garden is approaching the dormant season. There are a few valiant marigolds and African daisies  still brightening the ground.

 For the third. year, my Acanthus plant has survived but still struggles to bloom with so many rabbits around.

It has been a beautiful October but November is now here so abruptly bringing its expected changes. I am hard at work on my last few classes online before I take a holiday break. This time of the year overwhelms me with ideas and inspiration. There is something about the Festive Season that brings out such a sense of wonder and expectation. I am busy addressing Christmas cards ahead of the rush and listening to old movies in the background. If you have not watched Christmas in Connecticut with Barbara Stanwyck, or It Happened on Fifth Avenue with Charlie Ruggles, I can highly recommend them. I love the older movies.

I wrapped up The Vintage Page at Ardington School of Crafts last week and have been so encouraged with the response of the students. This was a 6 week class with time to absorb the nuances of the Italian Hand and work toward a final project. It was so rewarding to watch the students find their own rhythm and inspiration with such a forgiving script. I will be teaching Italian Hand in 2025 with an introductory class through the Colleagues of Calligraphy online as well as an Academy long term study through The Pointed Pen Collective. But as I finished up teaching the Vintage Page for Ardington, I reflected on just how unique everyone's approach is to this remarkable hand. I have always resisted a 'one size fits all' approach to teaching script. The pointed pen hands that I study are a reflection of handwriting and will reflect the nuances that each individual brings to the page. The writing is a snapshot of what the writer is experiencing at a particular moment in time.  The writing will change and evolve over time. It is a living and fluid script. We can never expect it to perform like a typographic font.  I hope that makes sense. It is an absolute joy to watch each student grow and progress. Their work helps me go on and prepare new ideas for future classes. I feel like I am perpetually in a mode of giving out and gathering in. It is a blessing for sure.

This month's class is Song of Winter for Ardignton. It reflects the rhythm and warmth of the season and combines familiar watercolour techniques with the added twist of coloured pencil. It is for students who want to add to their skill set with the idea of continued practice and moving toward creating final artwork. I have chosen a Long Tailed Tit and a Bluebird as our subjects but I am sure other birds will come into the mix. The setting is a simplified acanthus wreath with a touch of gold.  I wanted the class to reflect the glow of November. 

I am filled with ideas for the upcoming year. My students have helped me to grow and have continually presented with me new ideas and I look forward to the upcoming season with a grateful heart. As creatives together, never underestimate the power of art and its ability to generate peace. A kind word, carefully written and posted can bring so much hope and joy. Use your gifts and talents and reach out beyond your desk to see how we can brighten the day for someone else.  Thank you for sharing this space with me. Bundle up  and enjoy the season. Pamper yourselves and stay cosy! Sending warm November hugs all around.  

October Morning

 After years and years of dreading the approach of winter, I am finally able to welcome October! I know that each season of the year has a beauty and rhythm of its own waiting to be experienced. I have learned how to adjust to the different colours in my garden and appreciating each last petal of an ever fading garden. So far, the leaves on my garden trees are still green but they will begin their spectacular show very soon and I will love the colours of the season. My daily walks now have that familiar crunch of dried leaves underfoot and I have to be careful of falling walnut husks on my walk to the post office. There is a certain autumn charm in the air. 

As I sit at my desk and write this post, I can hear the loud song of the Carolina Wrens in the garden. This Spring and Summer have been beautiful seasons of research for me. I am deeply immersed in preparation for the courses of 2025 and 2026. I am still reading through Linda Lear's biography of Beatrix Potter and I confess that Potter is becoming a bit of hero to me.

She was so much more than a book illustrator. She was a force to contend with and knew her own mind. She could trust her instincts and fight for the stories that she believed she should write and illustrate. She had a generosity and an intense desire  to do useful work. She worked so hard. I have been astounded by her work ethic. I am nearing the end of the inspiring book and will move on to her Journal and Letters next. Yes, a collaborative class with Martin Beck at Ardington School is in the works for Beatrix Potter in 2025! But as I am doing this current research, the Potter readings are inspiring my own drawings and paintings.

I have already introduced some of this inspiration in my 2024 Flights of Fancy Master class and the animal drawings will continue to be explored in this month's Miniature Merry Makers class at The Gentle Penmanand November's Song of Winter class through Ardington School. 

There is so much work to do to prepare for these classes but I echo the sentiments of Potter as I enjoy this "useful work". Over these past years of developing courses and teaching so many students, what propels me forward is watching their results on the paper. I can see my own work and skills continue to evolve but I get so much joy seeing how each student will interpret the assignments. We all have our unique skills, passions and capacity to learn. We also have different time schedules to allocate to learning, studying writing, painting and drawing. It is so important to know your own mind and respond to the things that you want to pursue. This is a big world and there are thousands and thousands of things that you can find to fill your days. The practice of putting ink to paper, or meticulously painting a miniature animal with thousands of tiny brush strokes can be perceived as boring to many people. But you are here, in this moment, reading this blog post and finding time in your routine to pursue what you love. I firmly believe that the desire and passion to write, draw, gild or paint are in you along with the ability to develop the skills for your craft. Yes, there is hard work involved but pay attention to the joy that comes from that hard work. I hope you all find beauty this month in the season that is unfolding around you. Listen to the sounds of the season, watch the colours change and pause to observe. This is the only October we will have in 2024. Sending love to you all and thank you for your kindness, your support and your incredible words of encouragement that you send.

Rushing Wind of September

 This morning I heard the familiar song of September. The far view of my garden swing is a poplar tree that sounds like waves of the ocean when the wind hits the leaves. I know it is September because the leaves are already starting their dance and the sounds of the trees in the wind is so refreshing. I love this sound but I know the sound announces a change of pace and a change of season.  I feel as if I have indulged in an incredible luxury this summer. I took a pause in my teaching schedule to indulge in some study and personal pursuits. There was still work to do and to accomplish, but I was able to work at a slower pace. During this summer season I have been busily preparing courses notes and artwork for the fall and classes that will reach into 2026. I am so excited about upcoming study days, long term students, and new courses as well as teaching opportunities for some of my favourite classes. But the time of slowing down allowed me to work on skills and ideas that I am passionate about for my own growth whether or not they are ever turned into a future course. I have started a perpetual journal of the seasons where I can draw specimens from the garden at the same time each year. 

Getting back into a regular practice of drawing is something that I find so refreshing. I don't believe I will ever share the rough botanical  images in the journal, I just want to see what emerges on the page for my own eyes as I take note of the ever changing seasons. I want to truly know and notice the details that surround me. 

 Many hours have been spent in deep study and research. This might not sound like fun or an indulgent luxury, but I followed each interesting footnote of wonderful books and learned so much along the way. I have always had an aversion to making notes in my books, but I know that annotation can help so much with recall.  As I finished two William Morris biographies this summer, I began to annotate my books with small page flags. I found this process so engaging and really helpful for me to interact with the book.

The down side is that the process takes time. The annotations lead to research after the reading sessions and sometimes that can lead to the dangerous practice of ordering more books! It becomes a dangerous cycle when my bookshelves are already full. But I am finding inspiration and solace in this practice. The work of William Morris, and the embroideries of Jane and May Morris have become very powerful images for me now that I know so much more about their stories. I have a Beatrix Potter class coming up next year and I am doing my research for the class now. Knowing that Potter struggled with insecurities in her own skills and seeing her passion to learn on her own has been eye opening. I am making little discoveries about her artwork and the influences that formed her personal style. The slow luxury of reading and studying has made this summer more beautiful for me. I try to take two breaks a day to read with a cup of coffee or tea on the garden swing or in my favourite chair outside to absorb this wonderful season.

I feel grateful for this summer. But the rushing wind of September is here and I know that my regular pace of teaching and intense studio work returns quickly. I will be sharing many new discoveries in my upcoming classes and the November Study Day. My summer bookshelf inventory helped me to appreciate a beautiful book on my shelf and I worked on creating beautiful Flowering Rinceau designs.

I was amazed at how simple they are to create and how incredibly beautiful they are when they are completed.

These will show up in other forms in future classes but if you are interested in my approach to how I take a Study Day, I will share my methods with a very few group of students. Registration info is on my website if you would like to join this special day. It is very hard for me to describe the growth that can happen by taking Study Days, but I look forward to them like taking a mini retreat or spa day for myself. One of the wise phrases I came across in the work of William Morris was that he took a " generous view of education." Both Morris and Potter had an incredible ability to teach themselves the skills they wanted through experiments, trial and error. Jane Morris was constantly working on her embroidery as well. She wanted to create the visions of beauty that were in her head and run her hand over the work that she had just created. I can totally relate to this. There is something so satisfying and almost mesmerizing about watching your work emerge and grow. As September shares its unique warmth and glow, I wish you all the best with whatever your hands choose to do. Make the most of the time you have. Do what you love and love what you do. In the words of Wordsworth...." what we have loved, others will love, and we will teach them how." Have a beautiful September dear friends. Thank you for reading and for your kind words and friendship.