It’s late October and here are my field notes from the month so far! I’ve been trying out the gouache medium, and something about it makes me want to paint the built environment. Also, I don’t feel like I have a handle on gouache at all, but I’m trying to stick with it because I had a similar experience with wax pastel at first — and at some point the process started to feel better, and then really exciting. I’m feeling a little lost right now, but okay with the mild discomfort. Focusing on the everyday, close-by surroundings, and mundanities is helpful — things will grow out of this and the infinitely fascinating side of the everyday might just reveal itself eventually.
I’ve been thinking a lot about recording memories, and how valuable a sketchbook can be as a receptacle. I was struck by Carson Ellis’ latest post; she just finished creating an illustrated book about a period of time in her twenties, recalling what life was like for her in 2001. I can’t wait to see it.
Also a few other substack recommendations:
Lindsay Stripling’s latest edition of the Earthling Newsletter, titled Why Paint? Also really enthused about the artists she introduces in this latest post!
Treehouse - I love this newsletter, written by the Knit Wit magazine editor Zinzi Edmundson.
And finally, the upcoming Art Space activity (the paid subscription section of the newsletter) is going to be about tracking memories associated with making artwork, inspired by a few plein air sessions and listening to spooky audiobooks while painting. Hopefully see you there!
Thanks so much for reading Studio Notebook!
- Anne.
Glad I’m not the only one feeling discomfort 😅 specifically around drawing from imagination. Why is this so hard??
Your field sketches are precious & what a gift that you are creating! I can only imagine how wonderful it will be to look back on your sketches & i am sure the memories will come flooding back! This mama loves a good journal…and what a colorful & beautiful way to fill your pages! Xoxo