I love and appreciate this so much! My husband and I went to Paris a few weeks ago and I also didn’t paint/sketch while we were there. It felt so lovely to just take photos and enjoy being there together. So much history, art, and beauty. Not to mention delicious bread and croissants!! I too am sitting with loads of inspiration and memories of the trip. Glad to know that you share similar feelings 😊 and plan to play with new color palettes 🎨
Anna, I adore PAris. Sounds like you had a fab trip and got lots of inspiration to work on. I just popped to the hardware store a got some small sample paints to create some color palettes with. I often think about just painting with house paints and going large scale.... Let me know if you have a starting point for your work inspired by a certain photo or memory of your trip. I love hearing how other people start (always the hardest part, lol).
I loved reading this, Helen. What an adventure! Summer is in full swing here. You’ve inspired me to take my sketchbook out to my garden or next time I take the kids to the pool. No telling what sensory moments await! (Side note: I saw one of your instagram reels and I think we have the same free iris from Schreiners. I had placed my order that same spring as the iris workshop you taught. And I’m happy to report all my irises are just thriving!)
Hi Ann! It's really all peaking isn't it? Love hearing all your Iris are doing well. I have to dig some up in August and re-situate them. Not many sunny spots in my garden and some aren't currently very happy. They seem pretty resiient though as a plant so I'm hopeful they wont mind a re-shuffle! I do enjoy a poolside scribble, preferably with a cheeky corona;)
Lovely to hear from you Amanda! Thanks so much for reading and I'm glad they were inspiring for your future travels! Do you have anywhere coming up you're excited about?
I just had a magical week in Costa Rica. You would love the flowers there. They almost look like they’re from another planet. Looking forward to a trip to Italy in August. Having lived in Italy centuries ago and sung there many times - it’ll be my first trip in 20 years. Once my ‘second home’. Can’t wait!
Helen, You have been an inspiration to me for over fifteen years when I knew that hiding behind that "black hat" didn't belong on this Brit!! You continue to amaze me with your kindness and selflessness in sharing all of your gifts to help us (who you make feel like friends) from painting, gardening, textiles, food, homes, etc. And now sharing how your personal life experience of your continued inner growth through absorbing being in the moment of "what is" wherever you travel (even if you aren't a painter!) v. being the tourist with a fully rushed itinerary as to not miss anything "guilt"; you're missing so much! I have to say, I really loved seeing your last travel pieces of moments captured; a street scene, a meal..... Thank you again for taking the time to share! xoxo
Oh Susan, your message just made my whole day! You're so incredibly sweet to say all of that. Honestly, I really appreciate your sticking with me as an artist and friend all these years, your enthusiasm and curiosity about everything always inspire me to keep exploring and sharing.
I'm so glad the travel moments resonated with you! There's something magical about slowing down and really noticing the little things, isn't there? I used to be such a checklist traveler, rushing from sight to sight, but now I find so much more joy in just... being present wherever I am.
Your friendship has meant the world to me, truly. Thank you for always being so encouraging and for taking the time to share your thoughts, it means more than you know. Here's to many more years of adventures, discoveries, and shared inspiration! Not sure where that black hat is anymore ;)
What beautiful memories to share. Thank you for the lovely photos. Italy is high on my list to discover in the near future. We are headed to Scotland in July so I will definitely keep your suggestions in mind. Such inspiration!!!!!! LOVE IT!!!
Kim! Scotland!! You are going to love it. Can you believe I've never (as a Brit) been?! Somewhere that I have on my own list for sure. TAke lots of deep breaths of air amongst the heather for me. xx
Will happily take deep breaths. I will also look for Nessie as well :-) This will be my 3rd trip and we are going to discover the west coast. I can't wait to get back.
I was trying to figure out how to share some photo's of my sister's peonies, that are just gorgeous right now, but I can't figure it out on this platform...darn it. Anyways, I hope you have a lovely remainder of June. Looking so forward to finding some Scottish inspiration.
Such brilliant insight as always! Thank you for breaking the massive inspiration into bite size pieces to actually digest and then bring to paper. Especially appreciate that now, while I am exploring Iceland.
So happy you had so many lovely adventures, and now the flowers are there to greet you. Thank you for your generosity in sharing it with us.
Oh, how exciting Iceland! Leah, I can’t wait to hear all about your travels there. It’s a place. I’ve always wanted to go. Thank you as always for the encouragement, friend. I’m having another big studio clear out at the moment to change the flow of my workspace, which is exciting. It’s always nice to change the energy of space. Isn’t it? Enjoy your travels m’lady, much love.
Lovely read….I was trying to become a paid member and just finished reading, that you paused payments for a month. Oh well! I will wait till you reopen them.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recap, Thea. It’s going to be important to get going on my mood boards to keep the memories fresh! Writing this made me miss Uk and Italy all over again - oh and a St Lucian Pina Colada too;)
I love your approach to gathering inspiration when you’re traveling! I do something so similar. I always come home with a phone full of snapshots of random things because I like the colors.🥰
Michelle! Why am I not surprised 😄 Do you print out and make mood boards too, or work straight from your phone or a bit of both? That reminds me, I need to buy more printer ink🙄
Very jealous of your Italian prosciutto and gelato escapades!!
Harrison, it was my first time in Italy and I'm already plotting how to get back, ha!
I love and appreciate this so much! My husband and I went to Paris a few weeks ago and I also didn’t paint/sketch while we were there. It felt so lovely to just take photos and enjoy being there together. So much history, art, and beauty. Not to mention delicious bread and croissants!! I too am sitting with loads of inspiration and memories of the trip. Glad to know that you share similar feelings 😊 and plan to play with new color palettes 🎨
Anna, I adore PAris. Sounds like you had a fab trip and got lots of inspiration to work on. I just popped to the hardware store a got some small sample paints to create some color palettes with. I often think about just painting with house paints and going large scale.... Let me know if you have a starting point for your work inspired by a certain photo or memory of your trip. I love hearing how other people start (always the hardest part, lol).
Fascinating! I’m Harrison, an ex fine dining line cook. My stack "The Secret Ingredient" adapts hit restaurant recipes for easy home cooking.
check us out:
https://thesecretingredient.substack.com
Hey Harrison! Thanks for swinging by. I'll pop over and see what youre all about, sounds interesting!
I loved reading this, Helen. What an adventure! Summer is in full swing here. You’ve inspired me to take my sketchbook out to my garden or next time I take the kids to the pool. No telling what sensory moments await! (Side note: I saw one of your instagram reels and I think we have the same free iris from Schreiners. I had placed my order that same spring as the iris workshop you taught. And I’m happy to report all my irises are just thriving!)
Hi Ann! It's really all peaking isn't it? Love hearing all your Iris are doing well. I have to dig some up in August and re-situate them. Not many sunny spots in my garden and some aren't currently very happy. They seem pretty resiient though as a plant so I'm hopeful they wont mind a re-shuffle! I do enjoy a poolside scribble, preferably with a cheeky corona;)
Sounds intoxicating! All of it! Inspiring tips for present and upcoming travels. Pen to paper…. Thank you for your beautiful insights 💕
Lovely to hear from you Amanda! Thanks so much for reading and I'm glad they were inspiring for your future travels! Do you have anywhere coming up you're excited about?
xx
I just had a magical week in Costa Rica. You would love the flowers there. They almost look like they’re from another planet. Looking forward to a trip to Italy in August. Having lived in Italy centuries ago and sung there many times - it’ll be my first trip in 20 years. Once my ‘second home’. Can’t wait!
💕
I’d love to get to Costa Rica one day Amanda, you just spurred me on again!
Oh, I had no idea you’d lived there! To sing like you do in Italy, how truly magical. Where did you live?
Helen, You have been an inspiration to me for over fifteen years when I knew that hiding behind that "black hat" didn't belong on this Brit!! You continue to amaze me with your kindness and selflessness in sharing all of your gifts to help us (who you make feel like friends) from painting, gardening, textiles, food, homes, etc. And now sharing how your personal life experience of your continued inner growth through absorbing being in the moment of "what is" wherever you travel (even if you aren't a painter!) v. being the tourist with a fully rushed itinerary as to not miss anything "guilt"; you're missing so much! I have to say, I really loved seeing your last travel pieces of moments captured; a street scene, a meal..... Thank you again for taking the time to share! xoxo
Oh Susan, your message just made my whole day! You're so incredibly sweet to say all of that. Honestly, I really appreciate your sticking with me as an artist and friend all these years, your enthusiasm and curiosity about everything always inspire me to keep exploring and sharing.
I'm so glad the travel moments resonated with you! There's something magical about slowing down and really noticing the little things, isn't there? I used to be such a checklist traveler, rushing from sight to sight, but now I find so much more joy in just... being present wherever I am.
Your friendship has meant the world to me, truly. Thank you for always being so encouraging and for taking the time to share your thoughts, it means more than you know. Here's to many more years of adventures, discoveries, and shared inspiration! Not sure where that black hat is anymore ;)
Sending you the biggest hug,
Helen
xoxo
What beautiful memories to share. Thank you for the lovely photos. Italy is high on my list to discover in the near future. We are headed to Scotland in July so I will definitely keep your suggestions in mind. Such inspiration!!!!!! LOVE IT!!!
Kim! Scotland!! You are going to love it. Can you believe I've never (as a Brit) been?! Somewhere that I have on my own list for sure. TAke lots of deep breaths of air amongst the heather for me. xx
Will happily take deep breaths. I will also look for Nessie as well :-) This will be my 3rd trip and we are going to discover the west coast. I can't wait to get back.
I was trying to figure out how to share some photo's of my sister's peonies, that are just gorgeous right now, but I can't figure it out on this platform...darn it. Anyways, I hope you have a lovely remainder of June. Looking so forward to finding some Scottish inspiration.
great letter Helen! all looks amazing. And great tips for the traveling artist
Thank you GAyle! You are the queen of travel so I look forward to reading all about your trips! Loved seeing the paints you took with you.
Such brilliant insight as always! Thank you for breaking the massive inspiration into bite size pieces to actually digest and then bring to paper. Especially appreciate that now, while I am exploring Iceland.
So happy you had so many lovely adventures, and now the flowers are there to greet you. Thank you for your generosity in sharing it with us.
Oh, how exciting Iceland! Leah, I can’t wait to hear all about your travels there. It’s a place. I’ve always wanted to go. Thank you as always for the encouragement, friend. I’m having another big studio clear out at the moment to change the flow of my workspace, which is exciting. It’s always nice to change the energy of space. Isn’t it? Enjoy your travels m’lady, much love.
Lovely read….I was trying to become a paid member and just finished reading, that you paused payments for a month. Oh well! I will wait till you reopen them.
Preet, that’s lovely of you. I did pause paid, I’ve been away and not delivering as regularly so I hope to gift a few freebies as way of apology.
Thank you for being here for reading and for your patience, I appreciate it very much🤍
Stunning! Thankyou for a wander through your “sensory library”! What a breath of beauty! 🤗🌬️🦢🦋🌷💝🍡
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recap, Thea. It’s going to be important to get going on my mood boards to keep the memories fresh! Writing this made me miss Uk and Italy all over again - oh and a St Lucian Pina Colada too;)
I love your approach to gathering inspiration when you’re traveling! I do something so similar. I always come home with a phone full of snapshots of random things because I like the colors.🥰
Michelle! Why am I not surprised 😄 Do you print out and make mood boards too, or work straight from your phone or a bit of both? That reminds me, I need to buy more printer ink🙄