Ah yes - winter is rolling in swiftly now. We’re cosying up the house, filling the larder with batch-cooked stews, curries, soups, and sauces ready for hearty dinners through the long dark evenings. Even the cat accommodation in the lean-to has been ramped up for those bitter nights, as it can so easily dip below freezing from now until March.
And with all of that, I can feel a definite pull toward creative projects again - art-wise, I mean. Winter is always a fertile time for me creatively. I adore it. You’d be forgiven for thinking I’m forever creating something or other, if not several things at once, and that might be true… but I don’t always feel the same way towards them as I do right now. Feeling inspired and in the right groove is such a lovely, rare little gift. You know the feeling, I’m sure.
I’ve started sketching more. I think telling myself that I’d begin “in earnest” next year took the pressure off - and of course, that’s when the spark shows up. I’m working on a sketch of my husband, Ed, at the moment. There are a few contributors to this renewed enthusiasm. The art coaching I do once a week with a certain young woman is definitely one - we’re immersed in paint, pencils, and arty chat without fail, and it nourishes us both.
Another factor is that my art materials are finally easier to access. It makes such a difference. Especially the canvases - I’ve always worried about storing and protecting them properly in the relatively small space they share with everything else. When you run a creative business from home, with supplies tucked into every corner of a normal house, keeping everything running smoothly can be… well, a somewhat ongoing battle.
Here is the current stage of the sketch. I’m tempted to take it further with paint, but as it’s on cartridge paper, I might restrain myself. Instead, I may do a few more exploratory sketches of him first - partly to “learn” how to ''sculpt'' his face, and partly so I can move to my recent acquisition of gorgeous mixed-media paper. Divine. Who knows, I may have started by the time this post goes live.
And speaking of paper, I’ve an urge to play with watercolours too. I’ve treated myself to some lovely new materials, (again), including small sheets of mixed-media paper and the most beautiful bamboo paper made especially for watercolour. I think I’ll allow myself a little time to experiment later - either with that, or back to the sketch… depending entirely on the mood of the moment.
I hope you’re enjoying your November as much as I am.
Take care until next time,
Amanda x
P.S. Do you find yourself more creative in winter, or does another season do the calling for you? I’d love to know
