Little Observations
And artist escapes !
Hello and welcome to Ageless Artist . Sometimes I just start with a concept that has been floating about in my head and other times a story inspires me to write . The story can be a little happening, or something I witness that stays with me.
Small yet delightful observations
Last week while driving I saw a young man in a farmer’s field under the shade of trees passionately playing a full set of drums .
On another day I saw a family of 3 cranes crossing my road gracefully making their way into the field . I have lived here almost 20 years and never witnessed the spectacular beauty of a crane . They were magnificent.
On yet another day I saw a man dressed as Batman in our local diner presumably making ordering his lunch.. It completed the picture seeing him depart in his Batmobile..
I believe there is something quite wonderful about the small little events and quirks in our life that feel like a break from crisis, catastrophe and exemplify what is special and unique about us as humans.
I truly cherish and value these precious bits of life in front of me . I may not draw or sketch these moments -but the imagery stays with me and adds another layer of something special to my day..The inspiration may come later..
What I have been up to artistically..
A few weeks ago I realized it was time for an artist date day away -and joined the Toronto Urban Sketchers in Toronto,Ontario for demos and on site sketching in the historic Distillery District . It was well worth the 3 hour drive South and the stimuli the city provided was a tonic for this artist. The driving itself is not a joy for me - and I’m happy to leave behind city life-but I appreciated parking the car and hopping on a streetcar to travel observe street scenes and take in all the experiences of immersion when there. Staying by myself overnight and exploring on my own schedule allowed time for me to think and feel in a different acute sort of way. Snippets of connection and conversation with others provided enough human connection to add to the flow of experience. I need and crave solitary time to refresh my senses and nourish myself creatively ! A walk with my cousin and her sweet dog in her special neighbourhood also topped off a needed little mini retreat .
On another day a one day bus trip to Guelph, Ontario with an artist friend offered lots of urban eye candy as well as a stop over to a fabulous art supply shop to linger and drool over it’s wares ..
We all need little escapes Sometimes.. A change of scenery to fill our brains and senses with something a little different. For me its a refresh !
the throwdown at The Distillery !
Ducking in from the rain and
enjoying a pint while completing my sketch!
My local sketching group . Our July meeting - a steamy day to sketch in a shady spot of a magnificent garden
I value our local urban sketching oriented group to connect with once monthly. What I enjoy about urban sketching is there is no judgement or expectations (other than what what you decide to impose on yourself )..Drawing from observation is not always neat and polished and that in itself offers the opportunity to get lost in line and color on the page. To be “live”in a location and to explore the sensory elements of the experience-the scents, the sounds and the touch of your environment .
You may or may not seen my live mixed media workshop on Youtube . In this video I I worked on two journal pages and encouraged viewers to work alongside me! This is a process that offers an artist time to dally in imperfection and play. I love sharing my style of art making with others -and also the peaceful way it makes me feel after indulging in free form expression such as this! As a natural scavenger for papers and imagery this art suits me perfectly . Likewise when I shop for clothing or household needs you will more than likely find me in thrift or consignment shop . It feels more satisfying -and well- ethical .
The video comes complete with glitches ..and continues to be available if you care to watch it. I enjoyed the process and hope to fine tune the technical details of new videos as I go forward :-)More to come!
Subscribe (for free )to my partner newsletter Artist jet pack for information re upcoming online workshops /demos!
Challenging myself to step out of my comfort place feels important to me ! I would love to hear what you have tried lately to step out of your comfort zone ! It might be a new style of art -or something you experimented with that surprised you!
A page from my sketchbook/journal as demonstrated in my video .
I have fallen behind with the three materials challenge -but also acknowledge it’s good to go with the flow sometimes ;-) I have just finished a series of Scotland inspired paintings from my personal references (while immersed in the beauty of the Highlands on a personal residency two Autumns ago ) Working on these pieces brings back sweet recollections from this magical place.
I’m noticing how sketching and drawing have inched into my mixed media art!
Finally , I still think about Palestine every day . Although I am not diving deeper into my thoughts here today .. I try to stay focused and educated on what’s unravelling there and beyond . I attend weekly protests in my small town when I’m able and speak out online also .
I like to share resources just in case you feel the need to learn more (beyond mainstream media )
I will snail mail you one of my illustrated postcards if you would like to show your solidarity with Palestine -free of charge (I will even include a mini zine :-)
Just contact me via email with your address ! I will mail world wide !
I am so very fortunate to talk about my art and my peaceful , free existence .
That’s all for now
Thank you so very kindly for taking the time to read my newsletter
Heather
George your writing is so important and my hope is that I can invite others to appreciate what you do so well!
"Batman' was certainly an unexpected diner guest ! Do you have urban sketch groups in Hawaii Lorrie? The throwdown is a nice gentle way to cap off a sketching group with people opting in and out. I love that you have organized an artist trading card event !