Hello! I’m happy to be coming to you with the replay of our November Art Clubs!
This month, I had a renewed enthusiasm for Staffordshire figurines, after creating a Pinterest board of my favourite designs, so these sessions were rather focused on those. However, remember Art Club is supposed to be about following your gut, playing, and going where your intuition leads you, so if you want to join in with the replay, and do your own thing, I encourage you to do that. Set up your own still life… find a picture that inspires you… Whatever works for you!
For those of you not familiar with my Art Club. The idea is to have an hour of playing, experimenting and making all the mistakes you’re usually afraid of making, for fear of “messing up!” We always start with a warm-up, which I lead you through, and then I make a painting, talking through my process as best I can as I paint. As I said above, I also encourage you to do your own thing; I see myself as your guide and supporter, rather than your teacher. There are always a few people who come to the live and do their own personal projects for the hour. The only rule of Art Club is… there are no rules!
This month I feel is a good example of the benefit of allowing yourself to play and experiment. Because even if it doesn’t work out one time (and I use that expression advisedly) it can give you ideas for next time you paint. This month demonstrated that perfectly.
In Session One, I was overcome with all the exciting ceramics and decided to paint three at once (side note: I often switch between pieces as I paint, in my illustrations too. It gives time to dry, a bit of time and space helps you look afresh at it, and I like the rhythm it creates). But I ran out of time to finish them, of course! I had a go at finishing them earlier today (during Accountability Club, read about it here) but I don’t feel I quite got them working. But no matter! I like to think of it all as useful work!
Here they are above! As you can see, I attempted to paint a ceramic santa! What was I thinking!? Please don’t all beat down my door to buy the original - haha!
For Session 2, I chose some ceramic cats and lions, and for whatever reason, these just… went a lot better! Who knows why? I know that I woke up and had an urge to try collage. I also knew I wanted to play with textures - I had been planning to have a play with sponging (maybe next time!?). But also, perhaps the experiments I did in the first session just came together in this ones… It was fun to play wth collage, I definitely want to give that another go. Here they are directly after we finished…
…and here they are scanned and cleaned up! I was wondering whether I’d make them into some cards? And or prints? Would you buy cards or prints? I’ll definitely be selling the originals at the King’s Cross Illustrator’s Fair on December 6th. Let me know if you can’t make it, and would like to arrange a private sale - just send me a DM or comment below.
Ok, on with the replay, below for paid subscribers, along with the reference images - I hope you enjoy!
until next time!
Ella xx
To join me for co-working and lots more, just sign up using the link below! All subs help me to continue making illustrated books, and creating posts here on Substack. And as well as supporting me, you get benefits too. What?! Yes, you heard me! You get access to my big back catalogue of paid posts, and access to my monthly Zoom sessions: Art Club and Picture Book Club. And if you can’t attend live, all sessions are recorded and posted afterwards.
