Easy Breezy: A Creative Summer Close to Home

This summer, I’ve been thinking a lot about finding joy exactly where I am.

It’s easy to imagine that summer has to be filled with big adventures, faraway travel, or exciting plans. And while I do love exploring new places, this summer I’ve also found so much happiness closer to home—in my studio, my backyard, my sketchbook, and in the company of people who bring their own enthusiasm to the creative process.

One of the highlights has been running art workshops for seniors, focusing on intuitive painting and mindful mark making. There is something incredibly uplifting about seeing the excitement people bring into the room. The curiosity, the willingness to experiment, and the joy of simply putting pencil, paint, or brush to paper is infectious. Watching participants surprise themselves and become absorbed in the creative process reminds me, again and again, why I love teaching.

Painting with watercolours tone on tone.

Then there is my backyard…

My answer to a slice of Heaven

Senior participants creating art based on the workshop I conducted- A World in your Teacup

I’ve been spending time simply sitting outside, chilling, looking at the flowers I planted, and admiring how well they are doing. Gardening is such a lovely reminder that effort does pay off. You plant something small, tend to it, water it, wait—and slowly, almost without noticing, something begins to flourish.

Even in the lazy days of summer, I like doing something tangible. Something that gives me a sense of pleasure and accomplishment, without feeling like work.

So alongside workshops and garden-watching, I’ve been working on my writing, dipping into the odd course, and keeping up my daily practices. My journal and sketchbook are never far away. Some days the pages are filled with thoughts; other days, with quick sketches, colours, shapes, and little observations from the day.

From my sketchbook- done with pastels, inks, watercolours and watercolours

I’ve also been enjoying making healthy, simple meals—nothing too complicated. Just fresh ingredients, easy cooking, and the pleasure of sitting down to something nourishing.

Perhaps that has been the real theme of my summer: finding joy where I am.

You don’t always have to go far to feel inspired. Sometimes inspiration is in a room full of people making marks on paper. Sometimes it is in a flower that has finally bloomed in your backyard. Sometimes it is in a few quiet minutes with your journal, or a sketchbook open on the table.

Creativity doesn’t always have to be grand. It can be a daily practice. A small moment. A seed you planted. A new idea scribbled down before it disappears.

This summer, I’m learning to appreciate those little things.

Easy, breezy, creative summer days—and joy, right where I am.