Finding Perpetual Joy

 Here we are on March 1st, and winter is still exerting full force here at home. Today, though, my morning was given the gift of the cardinal's cheerful song. What a joyful song bird and how beautiful it is to stop and listen to that sweet song. Glimpses of bright red feathers against the snow have been really scarce this season so it was lovely to savour the moment. As we welcome this March together, I wanted to share some insights into finding joy no matter what is happening around you. I realize that I find incredible satisfaction in study and peaceful pursuits like flourishing, writing, drawing and painting. But I never really understood just how deep the pathway of peace could become. As I work with my hands and concentrate on the emerging art or penmanship, I notice how deeply engrossed I can become in the process.

The outcome of the page is far less important than the process itself. I know that some of you really struggle with wondering if taking classes, study and practice are worthwhile if you are not getting the results on the page that you are hoping for. But I would encourage you to tap into the thought process itself. If possible, turn off the analytical critic and any negative thoughts that come your way try to really be part of the moment that you find yourself in. Totally immerse yourself in the process of the project rather than the final result. There is joy in the journey and I am always so excited to be working, no matter what the outcome is on the page. I sincerely hope this makes sense.

My hope is that you will be able to tap into the joy that can be found in the discovery and learning process rather than an idealized anticipation of a "masterpiece" on the page. I constantly object to the words like master, mastery or masterpiece. Even artists that I admire down through history were constantly discovering and working on their craft rather than putting a final stamp of approval on their skills. If we cultivate this continued inquisitive approach and allow the pages that emerge in front of us to be what they will be, you will find an incredible source of joy. I am continuing to study, read, practice and explore and have found such peace on this journey despite turbulent times around us. I think being able to tap into music, drawing, painting, calligraphy, knitting, embroidery, gardening, walking or anything else you can think of that brings this sense of peace will be so important right now. I have noticed there is an increase in people signing up for classes and requests for me to repeat classes. My March and April classes at Ardington are sold out but there is room in April for Floral Whispers at the Gentle Penman. I will also be giving an encore presentation of my Rinceau Borders in May as I have received some requests.

If you are interested in the encore presentation, I will update my website shortly or you can email me to let me know of your interest. The Floral Whispers class will showcase my approach to very subtle colours in coloured pencil.

 I find that I really like to choose light and subdued subjects to enhance my calligraphic work. I like the gentle building up of layers of colour without having to spend multiple hours on a single subject. So if you find that you can distracted or even bored with building up layers of coloured pencil, you will be relieved to know that this particular process can be completed relatively quickly.

Coloured pencil is portable and highly accessible. There is so much to enjoy and explore. And the added benefit of having flowers on your studio desk can contribute to your sense of joy and well being.
As a florist, I know the incredible power that is hidden in the petals of each flower.

They can absolutely change your point of view and give you such a sense of appreciation for beauty. My  message for March will be to notice what brings you joy as you work and continue to cultivate that process. Put aside any doubts or sense of inadequacy and celebrate your unique qualities that you have to share on the page. Let's continue to cheer each other on and bring beauty to this world. No matter how dark or cold the winter has been, the Spring is clearly ahead. Hugs all around. 

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.