I have been thinking a lot about the statement in the title, not least because I am giving a talk on this topic, later on this week!
I spent several years working as a teacher, so you might expect me to be in favour of individuals learning new things! Plus I continue to teach absolute beginners to quilt on my signature QUILT IN A DAY course (see the Classes page of the website here for details). It’s very satisfying to see how engrossed each learn becomes in the own journey of discovery into quilt-making.
But I also like learning new things myself and so it was that I found myself in St Ives, Cornwall, recently to learn more about painting waves breaking over rocks.
The course was organised by the St Ives School of Painting so we drew seascapes outdoors and painted inside the historic School building. The tutor was professional artist Gary Long, who not only taught and advised us but also painted alongside us so we could observe a master at work.
The course was demanding, inspiring, engaging and tiring. It has left me wanting to do more. So in answer to the open question I posed about the future last week, I hope my activities will include more painting.
This was my first pencil sketch on the course, drawn outdoors:
…and here is the completed painting in gouache:
This is my second charcoal sketch:
…and here is the completed oil painting:
Both are scenes from the St Ives coast. In the second one, the two gulls on top of the rocks were actually there, I didn’t invent them.
In a radio broadcast in the series ‘Just One Thing’ the late Dr Michael Moseley explained the many benefits to the human brain of learning a new skill – at any age (Just One Thing – Learn a New Skill, broadcast 25 April 2021 on BBC Radio 4, available on BBC sounds). It’s remarkable!
Next month, my home and studio will be open to the public as part of the East Kent Open Houses scheme. Come to visit me in Ramsgate on October 12th/13th, 19th/20th or 26/27th and you will see Art Quilts, bed-quilts and other artwork on display. For further details, see http://www.ekoh.org.uk
The St Ives School of Painting can be found at: www.schoolofpainting.co.uk
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Amanda Jane Textiles 