October schedule
With the usual life update
Hello!!
It’s so lovely to be back! I missed you all! Thank you for bearing with me while I took a break from the regular schedule while I was rushing doing all the things I have realised you do when a book publishes!
You might have missed the regular posts, or you might have had a busy summer, like me, in which case, I thought I would do a little summery of what you’ve missed, because if you’re anything like me, you might be feeling a little bit behind. Also, it’s interesting for me to note, that while I was busy feeling guilty for not doing my regular schedule here on Substack, looking back over the last few months, I realise I actually have posted loads of content on here. So in case you missed it, here is a recap of it all.
(If you want to skip all this, and just see the schedule for this month, then just scroll down to the line break)
Re-cap
This is the replay of our last Art Club, in which we painted some cherubs! I still have a few left for sale if you’re interested, just drop me a line.
In which we looked at the brilliant book Hot Dog by Doug Salati
I made a post all about my working process when I make a book.
I posted a zine tutorial video I made a few years ago that talks you through the process of making a zine.
There’s even more!!
I’m not going to do a full recap of it all, because I’m worried I’ll lose your attention, but to quickly mention it here with links. I did a post-holiday vlog I published my new book and I published my 10th zine!! Plus more behind the scenes posts about my book. Take a look at my main page to see it all!
Life update
Before we move onto the October schedule, I thought I would do a little catch up on what I’ve been up to.
I had a book launch to Launch Dear Vincent. It was so wonderful to have a chance to celebrate with the author Michael Bird, the publisher Thames & Hudson and of course with wonderful friends and family!
As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, I am learning that when your book publishes, there is a lot to juggle. It’s exciting and exhausting in equal measure, both physically and mentally. With this book, I have painted another bookshop window, this time the lovely West End Lane books in London, I travelled all the way to St Ives (Cornwall, not Cambridgeshire!) to do a workshop with the St Ives Bookseller held in the brill St Ives Library I also had a very special visit to see the Van Gigh exhibition at the National Gallery with Michael Bird.
Here is a snippet of it all, including a snap of Alfed Wallis' grave, which felt like a bit of a pilgrimage - I love his paintings (I’m lucky enough to live near Kettles Yard here in Cambridge, and they must have the biggest collection of his work!)
Ok, that’s probably enough of me! On with the schedule. (Also, Substack is being super glitchy with me, I hope I’ve not posted the photos three times each!!)
OCTOBER SCHEDULE:
Picture Book Club
One of my favourite things on the MA was when we looked at Picture Books together and analysed them, so I am thrilled to run this on my Substack. I announce the book at the beginning of the month and then we have a live Zoom together and chat all about it! It is available as a replay afterwards for those who can't make it.
Tuesday 29th October, 8-9pm. Zoom (link below for paid subscribers)
This month I have chosen 13 Words, illustrated by Maira Kalman and written by Lemony Snicket.
ALA Booklist said: A book that pushes boundaries and demands such active participation on the part of both readers and listeners to connect language and images (and Kalman's quirky artwork is a perfect fit, littered with fun details) is to be commended.
Which I love the sound of. And here is the blurb from Maira’s website:
Together, Snicket and Kalman present a strikingly beautiful journey woven from a practical introduction to thirteen wonderful words, featuring such marvels as Bird, Dog, Panache, and Haberdashery. Snicket, the notoriously clever and elusive New York Times bestselling author, pushes the boundaries of storytelling in the most fanciful of ways. Maira Kalman, renowned for her art and design, carries this madcap adventure to wondrous heights with her vision of a world populated with hats, song, and cake. This rollicking, surprising book is a true celebration of words.
I’m looking forward to this one! As ever, do pick it up from friends of Gather Filter Make Shelf Editions run by the fab Helen Hancocks or from Storytellers Inc. run by the brill Katie Clapham
Art Club
These are free, playful and fun art sessions. Each month I choose a theme or material I want to play around with that month and you can either join in, or go off-piste, and do your own thing. I might spend a session playing with wet textures, playing around with how things bleed, mix together, blend. Other times I might grab a handful of random materials and play around with those together. All previous Art Play Dates are available as replays, and each new session adds to the back catalogue to watch and play along with.
Tuesday 15th October, 12.30 - 1.30 pm GMT. Zoom (link below for paid subscribers)
This month I thought it would be fun to paint a still life. Ever since my new book came out, I’ve been meaning to paint some sunflowers from life, so what better time to do it than during Art Club! So join me, and either paint some sunflowers, like me, or grab anything that you feel inspired to paint. Bring along any art materials you want to paint or draw with. I recently bought somePan Pastels, so I might bring those into the mix while I work.
NEW! Co-Working Club
Join me while I work in my studio.
Designed to provide a bit of company and accountability for anyone working from home. Use it to catch up on chores or to keep you going for that extra hour when you’re losing motivation or simply for some company while you work from home. You may remember I am not the best at scheduling these, so I’m going to try and post sessions in the chat here - I’ll try and post with a few days notice, so keep you eye there if you want to join
That’s it! It’s a whopper of a post! I’m looking forward to seeing you at Art Club or Picture Book Club or maybe at a Co-working session.
Until next time,
Ella xx
Zoom links below for paid subscribers.
If you enjoy my Substack and want to show your support, I would love it if you would consider becoming a paid subscriber. I really appreciate every single paid subscriber (and if you are already subscribed, thank you, from the bottom of my heart). 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 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.