How seasonal are you?

Now we're all getting in the swing of springy things, I thought I'd reflect on the impact of the seasons on art making...

You may be someone who needs the promise of spring and new growth to feel juiced up for painting and/or making? Or are you a cave-dwelling artist? I’ve realised that I’m a fan of hibernating and it’s the winter months, especially January, where I find myself most productive in the studio.

Now that spring is poking it’s nose up amid the rain and cold wind (surprisingly tentative here in the UK), I’ve realised I’m thinking less about making art and more about growing plants and getting outside. Come summer, I’ll be outdoors as much as possible. With that in mind, we can aim to make sure that lots of sketching gets done.

So the seasons definitely do affect me and I enjoy the variation. My childhood in Singapore gave me a sense of what it was like to be seasonless and I can’t say I liked it much.

Anyway, I’m currently distracted by a studio move. It’s been wonderful to rationalise all my materials and art books; lets call it a creative SPRING clean. I feel fired up to rework old paintings and explore paper as a surface after quite a long spell painting mainly on board or canvas.

A few years in to full-time practice as a “working artist” I’m finding it’s a challenge to store artworks, so paper is a good call. I’m also loving more fluid paint and inks at the moment so it all adds up to a direction to take.

Having said that, the only painting I’ve done in recent days involves ceilings, window frames and feature walls in our annexe which I’m transforming into a holiday let. I’m pushing myself to take pleasure and pride in the simple act of painting a wooden window frame, removing wallpaper or sanding a balustrade.

Stay zen and the place will emerge anew to make a lovely retreat for visitors. I’m thinking of offering weekend workshops to resident customers too….

So thanks for bearing with the radio silence over the last few weeks while I transition.

I’m hoping to get back into my creative stride in April, starting with attending a workshop with Paula Dunn. This is a wonderful way to springboard into a new collection, and I’ve got to get a group of work ready for mid May when I’ll be showing at The Old Mayor’s Parlour with some wonderful 3-D artists and makers.

Meanwhile, I would love to hear your plans for workshops or any shows you’re looking forward to.

TTFN and roll on that sunshine eh?