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.
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