Hello from the windy Highlands,
As autumn winds down, and I recover from the notoriously ruthless covid brainfog, I’m finally able to consider typing something coherent to my lovely followers. Thank you for your patience over the last few months, and all of your encouraging messages you’ve sent me!
As always my goal with my newsletters is to provide inspiration and information. It’s the most direct bridge between you and I (outside of meeting for coffee!) and I love that it’s just us. Earlier this year I hoped to send monthly newsletters but that may have been a bit too enthusiastic, so for now let’s just see how it goes.
By the way, I’ve switched newsletter apps, I’m sending this directly from my Squarespace website. If there are any glitches, please let me know so I can sort it out.
Ok, on with the good stuff!
Fresh off the Easel
Here’s what’s been happening in the studio.
My life since mid-September has been a rollercoaster of travel, injury, and covid, so I have not made much progress on any bigger paintings. Most of my focus has been on smaller sketches and tutorials for my Patreons. That’s OK, because I learn a ton by doing so.
However, there are a few new pieces to view on my newly redesigned website, including the painting at the top of this newsletter.
But if you’d like to see more art more often, I share sketchbook scans at the end of every month on my Patreon page.
Will there be a Holiday print sale?
This year I won’t be doing a holiday print sale, because all of my efforts are going towards releasing a set of gouache brushes! I’ve partnered with Craftamo to create my “perfect gouache brush set” and I really love how they turned out. The final brushes are currently in production, and I should receive them by the end of November to show them to you all in some upcoming videos and even a live stream. We hope to release the brushes in early December, in time for the Holidays.
See the brushes in action here.
Creator Corner: Labels
Someone recently called me a “YouTuber” in the comment of one of my videos. At first it was a shock. I thought ‘No, I’m not a YouTuber, I’m an artist.’ Then I realized it’s actually true because it’s a label given to those who upload weekly on youtube. I hardly make any money directly through YouTube so I always thought of it as another form of social media, not a career. But technically I fit the label. So, I guess I’m a YouTuber. Let’s think of it as a sub-label. I’m an artist and photographer, but I use YouTube as a way to connect with others.
It made me wonder…how many people see me as a YouTuber first? I suppose it’s only natural, as that is a big way people find out I exist.
It’s funny how much a label can mean to us. It’s just a word after all. But we grow attached to - Read More on my Blog
On a Personal Note: A Fresh Coat of Paint
I usually retreat to my introverted cocoon during autumn. A lot of it has to do with recovering from the intense energy and activity that summer demands, and it just feels good to slow down and appreciate the incredible beauty that autumn offers.
This time of year I spend a lot of time thinking, writing, observing and appreciating the calm. Seeing the quick changes that nature goes through every single day until suddenly BAM! Winter is here.
Every year it reminds me to stay very present so that I don’t miss it, which is a great exercise for people like me who are always planning what’s next!
Something that’s been on my mind heavily this year is the need for a ‘fresh coat of paint’ on the walls of my mind. By that I mean a chance to step back, assess where I’m at with my life, business, goals, happiness, health, etc. What needs to be changed? How can I improve? How can I make space to appreciate the small things that bring me joy?
It’s a huge challenge when the daily demands of running a business are endless. There’s always the worry that if I’m not working, I’m losing money. I’m missing out on opportunities. I try not to let that stifle my creativity, but sometimes it’s unavoidable.
So by stepping back and taking time to address areas of my life that could use a ‘fresh coat of paint’ (or even a total renovation) is a much needed step towards achieving my ultimate goals. Without frequent evaluation of the process, goals are just words on paper.
My plan is to find a short window of opportunity to escape to Skye for a mini self-improvement retreat. Alone time away from the hustle to paint the walls. Of course I’ll bring along my cameras and sketchbooks and share a little bit of the experience with you all, because Skye is just too good to keep to myself!
Thank you all so much for your ongoing support and encouragement! See you next time.
~ Sarah
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