Autumn is here..
Time to rest and get cosy!
Dear Creative Souls,
For my patrons, you will recognise this newsletter - I thought it would be nice to share it over on my website too.
As autumn settles in, I have been embracing the cosy season with a variety of art materials, both from my own collection and some wonderful gifts from Lightwish and Paul Rubens. You can see me having a gentle play with my art stuff over on my channel or right here on Patreon. Experimenting with these new products has been a joy, though I must admit it can feel a little overwhelming at times! To spread the creative cheer, I arranged a small giveaway for my Creative Ladybirds members, a binder travel sketchbook and a 3D printed palette, kindly approved by Lightwish.
I also recently received a delightful Christmas box from Lightwish which contains a new sketchbook, an updated travel bag that I reviewed in the summer and some blank cards and envelopes. I have also received Arrtx acrylic markers, which I am saving for an autumn mushroom painting session in my sketchbook. Look out for a pre-Christmas giveaway soon, featuring some of these seasonal treasures!
Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree."
- Emily Brontë
Autumn inspires me endlessly, especially as an earth sign who loves wandering through woodland in search of fallen leaves, seeds, and fungi. I’ve already spotted both chicken of the woods and an ink cap in my garden! While my nature journal has fallen behind this year-hot weather and chronic illness have slowed me down - my sketchbook has been filling with pages of autumnal inspiration.
Pumpkin using Mont Marte Extra Soft Oil Pastels
For days when energy is low, I’ve found joy in doing small, cosy art activities from the sofa or bed. Here are 8 low-energy autumnal art ideas for you:
Bird Watching & Sketching: Set up a bird feeder and sketch visiting goldfinches, robins, and blue tits. Use the Merlin app to identify birds by their song.
Art Research: Explore the works of a favourite or lesser-known artist online for inspiration. See what inspired them to create their pieces, the palette they favoured, the way they combined the mediums, if at all.
Seasonal Reading: Immerse yourself in autumnal novels or poetry—currently, I’m enjoying We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson. I have also just picked up the poetry of Thomas Hardy.
Autumnal Flower Arranging: Forage garden blooms, like dahlias, rose hips, hydrangeas, and herbs for a seasonal display. Sketch and paint in your sketchbook if you are feeling brave, using crayons or tempera paint sticks. Keep it simple, shapes and colours.
Simple Still Life: Arrange seasonal objects - a mug, teapot, fruit, books, gourds and squashes, the list is endless, on your coffee table and sketch them.
Leaf Pressing: Collect and press fallen leaves for future collages or garlands.
Crayon Leaf Rubbings: Capture leaf textures and veins to create simple, nostalgic art.
Leaf & Seed Head Pressing: Use a Gelli plate to do some mono printing - if you dont have a Gelli plate then just paint the leaf and press onto copier paper, no expensive art materials needed here to have fun!
As October approaches I have noticed the change in the morning light, the casting of the shadows across the land, the dewy grass when Audrey goes out for her morning sniff around the garden, the cobwebs hanging like chandeliers draped across the spent summer blooms that have now turned dry and brown. As the evenings grow darker, I am waiting patiently for it to get cooler so I can set the fire, but until then I find comfort in lighting candles whilst cooking, one of the small rituals that embraces the season’s charm and the darker evenings. Not forgetting the all important snuggly blanket for your favourite chair, a reading light, a favourite autumnal mug and a spooky, gothic book.
The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves. We have had our summer evenings; now for October eves!"
– Humbert Wolfe
Over on Patreon, I’ve created a cosy corner for relaxed video updates in my Cosy Chat with Clare section, with £5 one-off extras for those who wish to join in and watch my extra content. Watch this space for an exciting update to my garden in October.
To join my Patreon, just click the button below and become a free member where you’ll find lots of sketchbook inspiration and this monthly newsletter.
Thank you, as always, for being part of this creative journey. Your support makes this corner of the internet the warm and welcoming space it is. Leave me a comment if you have any low energy arty activities to add to my list.
Wishing you a snug and inspired autumn,
Clare
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