Time to saddle up and ride

I’m back at my desk after what feels like both a long and incredibly short break. Isn’t that always the way with time off? It was a break from routine and teaching—but in truth, it was far from a break from thinking about art. My own practice has been bubbling away in the background, quietly gathering pace.

While I didn’t have a set schedule or formal projects to work on, I carried with me a small, new sketchbook—a beautiful, elongated watercolour book I spotted a student using and couldn’t resist buying for myself. There’s something about the clean, blank pages of a fresh sketchbook that is so full of promise. Over the break, I found myself sketching at random moments, jotting down scattered thoughts and images. They may seem like small, disconnected fragments now, but I’ve learned that, once I begin working, those “random” ideas often start weaving themselves into something much more cohesive.

That’s the joy—and sometimes the frustration—of the creative process. You never quite know where you’re headed until you’re already on the road. And yes, sometimes a detour feels like wasted time, but sometimes it leads somewhere unexpected and worthwhile. So onward I go.

Technically today is my studio day, but as usual, I’m starting with a full inbox and a list of lessons to plan. Writing this post, though, is part of my process. It helps me pause and reflect before the term kicks off in full swing.

Classes start back this week, and I’m diving straight in: a kids’ class this afternoon, two Zoom classes tomorrow, and three back-to-back sessions on Thursday. In between, I’ll be prepping new course material, promoting the next block of classes (which will be here before we know it), and continuing to work on my own art.

There’s also September’s Tuscany trip with Flavours Holiday Company to prepare for—always a highlight of my year—and I’m toying with the idea of holding a small studio sale in the lead-up to Christmas.

So while the kids are still on holiday and the cat continues to interrupt my focus, I’m shifting gears and getting ready for the season ahead. Like the cowboys say in the West: time to saddle up and ride.