Hello, my lovely creative friend,
I hope you’re doing well. I’ve been quite busy lately, but it’s all good! This is my first longer newsletter in a while, and I wanted to write it as if I were chatting with an old friend.
It feels a bit like writing letters. I’ve been exchanging letters with some of my friends for many years—one of them since we were just seven or eight years old! Sometimes there’s a long gap between letters, and then suddenly a flurry of them. There’s something about autumn that stirs a nostalgic, romantic feeling in the air, making me want to write more.
Lately, I’ve been teaching lots of different art classes, both in person and online. My online community continues to thrive, and it’s still one of my top priorities.
(scroll to the bottom for a little drawing inspo.)
I’m really enjoying teaching again, in person & Online. The energy is different—it’s lovely to connect with people face-to-face, see where they are on their creative journeys, and offer encouragement. Online teaching has its perks too, it is easier to show specific techniques as I can zoom in and out and show what I am doing in real time. But I love both experiences in their own way.
In person, my classes are local, but online, I get to connect with people from all over the world. You can learn about my online community here. I have been teaching online for over 4 years now and I love seeing people learn and gain confidence over that time.
Recently, I’ve been teaching art for wellness through a local charity, exploring line and wash techniques and embroidering old postcards. It’s been a wonderful experience.
Speaking of sharing, I’ve been vlogging on Instagram and YouTube for five years now, and it’s fascinating how much these platforms have evolved. Lately, I’ve really enjoyed sharing snippets of my day through Instagram Stories. It’s a more relaxed way to connect with people—it doesn’t have to be perfect, and it disappears after 24 hours, so I don’t mind if I look a bit silly now and then!
Finding the balance between what I share and what I keep private is important to me. For example, I don’t often post about my relationship or share pictures of friends and family outings. Instead, I focus on my art materials, projects, travels, and of course, my studio space. Think of it as a mix of creativity, art, and a touch of my hippie nature-loving lifestyle.
I’ve also been listening to audiobooks recently. I commute to Cambridge almost every day, and the half-hour bus ride is perfect for looking out the window while listening to a good book. I use Storytel, which has a great selection of both Dutch and English titles. I also love using my local library’s audiobook service—it’s free here in the UK! Libraries are such fantastic community spaces, and I’m a huge fan of them. I love listening to fantasy books and young adult books with on occasion a more realistic or non-fiction book.
I go through different phases in my clothing style, music and book choices. Sometimes its punk style, sometimes hardcore feminism and another time I enjoy a softer style. I also find that these phases are reflected in my art and that my paintings change month to month.
Recently, I’ve been immersing myself in the world of romantic and nostalgic folk music and literature, and it’s been such a wonderful source of inspiration. Right now, I’m re-reading Mists of Avalon, a book I love for its mystical and richly woven tale. It’s full of deep, magical imagery, and I find myself discovering new layers each time I revisit it.
On the music side, I’ve been listening to Talisk’s lively tunes and the hauntingly beautiful sound of Armenian duduk music. There’s something so timeless and emotional about it, don’t you think? I’ve also been enjoying Ekatarina Shelehova and Rose Betts—both have such unique voices that really capture that blend of romance and nostalgia I’ve been craving lately.
Music and books like these really fuel my creativity and keep me inspired while I work. Do you have any favourite songs or books that transport you to a different time or place? I’d love to hear your recommendations!
In terms of new projects, I’m thrilled that my detailed deer coloured pencil course is live, and people are drawing along with me! It’s a mini-course designed to teach more advanced coloured pencil techniques, giving participants the chance to create a larger piece of artwork with me. This can’t be done in a single 1.5-hour class, so I’m excited to offer something more in-depth.
I’m also thinking of launching a new watercolour portrait course. It’ll be geared towards intermediate artists looking to improve their portrait skills—so stay tuned!
Oh, and I have some exciting news—I was on the radio last week! I was interviewed by Ste Greenall on Black Cat Radio. We talked about how Makings and Musings started, why I moved to England, and I shared some tips for anyone wanting to start their own creative business. We also discussed how making art is so beneficial for your well-being, even if you don’t consider yourself an expert. You can listen to the interview here: On Spotify, on Youtube and on apple podcasts.
While I was at the radio station, the BBC happened to be there, and they interviewed me as well! I wasn’t expecting it, but I had a lovely chat with presenter Ben Schofield. If you’re lucky, you might catch me on the BBC tonight.
That’s all for now! I’d love to hear your audiobook recommendations or any thoughts you might have. Until next time, take care and keep creating!
With love and creativity,
Irene
Line & Wash
You don't need to be 'good' at drawing to create something fun and colourful. I have been painting in line and wash with one of my groups this week and abstracts are a super fun way to create quick impact in a loose and mindful way.
When you try this line and wash artwork, make sure your pen is waterproof! if it is you can draw the lines first and then add some splashes of watercolour afterwards.
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