Sweet Silence

 Good Sunday Morning dear friends. This morning I was up early and out in the garden. September is here and the days are cooler after an incredible heatwave. I was taken aback at the silence of the yard. No birds chirping that I could hear, no squirrels chattering and very little ambient noise in the neighbourhood. The calm and peace were so welcoming. I paused and just appreciated the blooms that are still on the rose bush. What a blessing to have a moment of quiet.

I promised to share the new courses I would be launching and the info is now posted online. The upcoming holiday season can easily interrupt our moments of calm, peace, and sweet silence. We can get so caught up in the busyness of the season that we miss the special moments. I always have to think ahead and work on festive designs in advance. If you would like to design your holiday card with me, The Holiday Charmers class is now open for registration.

 I want to focus on the drawn letters and the illustrated mice designs. I will also paint a sweet song bird as well as draw, gild and paint lettering. I will share the techniques for a very soft painting effect that softens the look of dry brush while still maintaining the control and detail.

I will also share why this is one of my most popular ideas that I developed over the years and how incredibly versatile and handy it can be. There is something for all skill levels and I hope to prepare more Merry Mice and Sweet Song Birds as Holiday Charmers to prepare for this class.

The class is in October giving you lots of advance time to prepare for the Festive Season.  I have other upcoming classes online for Autumn but many are sold out. Registration and info for my classes is online here. Wishing you all a beautiful Sunday. Enjoy the calm. Appreciate small details. And do something you love to nourish your soul in this season. Love you all. 

Sweet September

 Another blink of the eye and the calendar page changes. September breezes in sweetly and gently. It is always a bittersweet month for me. I love watching the leaves take on brilliant colours but it is so difficult to watch the blooms in the garden fade away. I know each season passes in its own time and there is always the promise of new growth coming again. It is best to just embrace each season and the changes it brings. Here in my little studio, I am constantly busy and grateful for the work. Pens are being painted and shipped all over the world. I have had commissions to work on and the busy schedule of private students and new courses to prepare.  The Ardington Flourishing Club sessions begin again in September and I am looking forward to sharing seasonal ideas with the community of flourishing artists. 

 I have seen incredible growth with the participants and can't wait to see what happens as we continue to pursue offhand flourishes together. There will be a very special December edition of the Flourishing Club coming up! I will share more info about that as we move closer to the holiday season.

 I am thrilled to share my newest class October Owls for The Gentle Penman online.

This is a single session class and the beginning of some whimsical character flourishing classes that will be released in 2024. October Owls seemed to be the perfect platform for adding a touch of autumn's glow to offhand flourishing.

No matter what path I take in my artistic pursuits, I always seem to return to the pointed pen and the beauty of offhand flourishing. The flourish is so deeply rooted within me yet I am always making discoveries with it. Flourishing helps me to pause, clear my my mind, appreciate the moment and truly be taken aback at the work that is produced when the piece is completed. I see this in the work of my talented students as well. If you have never taken the plunge into the world of pointed pen flourishes, I encourage you to begin. They are joyful, peaceful, meditative and far easier to learn than any script alphabet. I cannot sing loudly enough of their virtues. Wherever you are on your artistic journey, I believe the flourish can unlock so much potential in your work. I hope you have a beautiful September. Take time to pause and appreciate the wonder of the season. Time goes by so quickly. Understand and appreciate each passing day. Sending hugs all around with such gratitude for the kind words of appreciation that you share with me. Happy September beautiful friends.