Does the weather influence your mode? It does mine. Today, after relishing an unexpected period of unseasonably sunny and warm days, with the leaves clinging stubbornly to the trees, the weather has done an about turn. Temperatures are dipping. The sun has disappear. Even the leaves have dropped without ever reaching those stunning gold, orange and reds the northeast of the US is known for. I woke up feeling like the sodden leaves piling up on our lawn.
Fortunately, I have my routine of journaling, drawing and pulling together a post to share with you. I can share my progress. Yes, there is progress. Row three of Cautiously Optimistic is done! I’ve started on row four. Putting together a pieced quilt, is like doing a jigsaw puzzle. Individual pieces or blocks don’t always make sense, but when combined a pleasing image is revealed.
I am a firm believer that it is crucial to augment a favored medium by playing in other mediums. Last February I took up the challenge to do a drawing tutorial a day and post it on Instagram. The goal was to do this for 100 days in a row. Miraculously, I managed to stick to this. I enjoyed the process so much I have continued, but at a more comfortable pace of one drawing a week. I start the drawing shortly after I write and post my blog. I can’t wait to get started. Never, ever did I think I would find drawing relaxing. Just knowing I will spend time drawing this afternoon lightens my mood.
I am linking up with Nina Marie’s Off the Wall Fridays.
Well, cold weather encourages me to hand sew bindings as I like having a warm quilt on my lap. Yes, I think it’s good to do creative cross training. I’ve been taking painting and collage classes from Jane Davies, and I find it delightful to be able to finish a piece quickly. I’m applying knowledge learned to fabric monoprinting, especially color mixing.
Doing something repetitive, but that evolves or shows progress, can be incredibly soothing. Like you, I enjoy the process of hand stitching the binding after the machine work of creating a quilt is done. Gives me time to relax between projects and let my mind drift. I’ve been following your progress in the collage class. Looks like so much fun experimentation.
Your bird drawing is delightful! Too bad I missed that drawing-a-day challenge. Here’s a terrible confession: one of the things I miss most about not being able to go to church for 7 months is that I used to doodle quilting motifs on my iPad for 30-45 minutes every Sunday during the sermon… That was my habit and routine (and yes, I was still listening!) and I have not found a way to work it into the totally unstructured sea of time that my life has become during the pandemic.
I think I only posted about the 100 Days of Art Challenge once or twice before. This weekend I’m working on #127. I do find my hand eye coordination improving, especially with mirror image type designs. Doodling quilting designs during sermons sounds to me like a very creative use of your time. 🙂 One of the surprises to me, during the pandemic is how I seem to have less time versus. All those Zoom meetings to attend.
I went to your Instagram page and found your drawings to be wonderful You are multitalented for sure!
I wish those drawings were my own design. However, perusing several of my favorite drawing tutorial sites, selecting something that appeals, then giving it a go. I’ve learned so much about value, shading a 3D object, drawing mirror images, and perspective. Thanks for checking out my Instagram account.