Exploring the Learning Curve

with a little help from time travel

I am recognising in myself a simmering shift in awareness -and a new thirst for learning . Some days it is about focusing on what I did not see clearly before.

How did I not notice how incredibly beautiful a bouquet of wildflowers might be from my own backyard? How did I overlook their stunning colours and shapes?

Why did I not see the individual shape, the detail of each leaf on the trees?

How could I have missed their individual unique expression?

Noticing these gorgeous flowers and arranging them inside provided needed joy in the moment .

I have been feeling a strong pull to connect with my natural surroundings once more .

As a child I was completely smitten by nature in all of its forms

with my pet garter snake

Learning about a seed germinating in public school -and the infamous lima bean plant project (dry lima bean in soaked cotton wool in a glass by the sun)-was completely absorbing for me as a child of 8.

a page from my grade 4 science notebook

Meticulously drawing a plant and all it’s growth forms was such a pleasurable part of learning-As were forest hikes and exploring .. Stumbling upon an old apple orchard in the woods. .Looking for arrowheads and fossils -climbing hills, following paths . Walks with our dad into the neighbourhood ravine held all of the magic nature provided.

A short clip from a home movie filmed by my dad with a regular hike down to the valley near our home (with my cousin and brother) . Always an adventure !

I derive inspiration from so many of the artists , illustrators and writers here on Substack . The concept of lifelong learning rings true for me. Discovering a new technique or skill is thrilling -and education takes many forms -not all necessarily formal. There was a time I felt that I might go back to university as a part time student post retirement. Why not take advantage of free or reduced fees for senior learners ? How could I continue to grow while free from the confines and exhaustion of the 40 hour week ?

In the past two years I have been cheered to encounter so many opportunities to informally expand my learning

I signed up for an online class offered by UK artist Lucia Leyfield which featured illustrator Alice Melvin. During this class, Alice shared her intuitive and mindful approach to sketching in the woodlands that surround her home in Scotland. Listening to how Alice discovered a pathway to loosening up her sketches while dealing with personal life challenges was quite inspirational. Her time out of doors in nature sketching from what she observed proved to be healing and expanded into a regular practise. She generously shared her own tips and style of working - which prompted me to draw along from references provided.

A sketch inspired by Alice Melvin’s class -I would not typically use such strong lines! This was a wonderful exercise in loosening up !

I am spiralling back in time -to engage myself in a curious exploration of the senses.

Unlocking the wonder of childhood once more I am finding ways to connect my love of nature with my art practise.

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Nanette Regan in her newsletter titled “Time Portals “ explores drawing her smaller self in favourite outfits.. Using old photos of herself as reference was a starting point to forming these precious and personal illustrations . I immediately loved this concept and dove in to my personal collection to try my hand at a few of my childhood self

..A brand new (5 sizes too large ) Montreal Canadiens hockey sweater purchased for me by my dad and sported by me with pride .

I aimed for the essence of who I was rather than high realism which was quite liberating. Thanks Nanette for the brilliant prompt!

Nanette also asked “Do you remember a favourite piece of clothing that you loved so much? What was it? Something sparkly or crazily patterned or so so soft? I would love to hear about it! “and I would say anything but dresses (a social obligation of school and the times) and in particular this western style checked shirt with snap buttons and real jeans with beaded belt !

My brother and I and our summer friends from Sauble Beach . Racing snails,finding toads ,snakes and frogs were side benefits of a family escape from a suburban world.

Of course looking at the photos and rolling back the years is also quite satisfying..The pictures and the act of drawing myself offer so much richness of experience to reflect on. Perhaps this is quite natural as we age -to consider those memories and moments that shaped us. My geeky awkwardness feels endearing now that I have some time and perspective.

I loved my saddle shoes…with cleats!

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Learning takes so many forms. An important aspect for me regarding learning is also the doing part . If I learn from other artists I also want to apply the learnings to my daily practise.and to not lose the passion for experimentation in the moment! Tailoring each skill I learn to my own form of expression is key.

I am hoping to take part in the 3 materials challenge for 50 days beginning on July 8th ! Last year I did not complete the challenge -but totally enjoyed plunging myself in to sketch from life every day and to try some material and colour combinations that I had not experimented with prior. Sometimes a little nudge helps !

I would love to hear about your plans for learning something new ..Or taking on a project that activates your senses !

Do you find that spending time in nature helps to feed your creative spirit?

How do your memories mesh with your artist self?

If you would like to check out my mixed media art that is currently available :

my art site and shop

Also I still have Palestine postcards to mail to you via snail mail -If you would like one send me your address I will send you one the old fashioned way !

Thanks so much for reading Ageless Artist

:-) Heather