Thistles in July
Happy Sunday and welcome to this month’s catch up blog post with Pippin Prints. A moment for me to reflect on the most recent chapter in our year, the nature inspired art that I’ve been creating in my studio and the progress I’ve made on current projects. I’ll also likely share some of the little joys of life from the outdoors, home and the comforts of the current season. I’m feeling patriotic and very connected to Scotland this month as I paint thistles in July.
Thistles in July
On a walk just last week I started to notice purple patches everywhere amongst the wild flowers. Nestled between the nettles and the first signs of bramble fruit, they were everywhere. Thistles!
In that moment I realised that of all the flowers I had painted so far, I’d forgotten to include the flower of Scotland. It had to be my next piece. A fitting choice as I prepare to attend Scotland’s trade fair next month too. (If you are attending, I’ll be at stand LG2 in the launch gallery).
The thistle is thought to represent determination and bravery in Celtic cultures. Given that this show will be my first and that I’m working by myself to prepare for it, I need all of the determination and bravery that I can find. I’ve been told many times that I should take big opportunities that come along, no matter how much they might scare me, and so I’m jumping in with two feet!
In the Studio
I was lucky to be able to step out of my garden gate to collect some inspiration photos for this month’s painting. I was going to pick a couple, but thistles are so spikey that I could barely reach the stems. Thankfully the photos worked just as well!
As with the bluebells that I painted in Spring and the honeysuckle last month, seeing the real plant in front of me makes the painting process so much easier.
The thorns of the thistle did challenge me though and I fought over multiple layers of paint to get them right. This is a lesson I learn each time I paint something though. There are artists that can create hyper realistic work. Mine is a little softer, rough around the edges. But it’s my style and honestly, being authentic is far more important than being perfect. Wouldn’t you agree?
Little Joys of Every Day Life
Apparently we’re currently in summer, but there has been so much rain this month. Those of you who live in Scotland will know. That’s what makes it so fitting I suppose for me to be painting the national flower in the middle of summer whilst we all pull out our raincoats. Of course it’s often wet, but true to form Scotland remains bonnie no matter the weather.
The rain has made for many cosy days in doors which I’m not one to complain about. My daughter and I have made a habit of baking something each Thursday and enjoying it with a movie. Absolutely one of the little joys in life and something I look forward to each week now.
My plants have been happy to have a good drink too. Many of the flowers and trees which I planted in spring are now thriving and my veg patch is starting to bloom too. The beetroot are almost ready to pick and if we’re lucky to have brighter days the tomatoes will be ready soon too. I would never have guessed that growing my own produce would have brought me so much joy and excitement, but here we are. A new hobby which I’m very grateful to have found.
Flower of the Month Club
Finally, I wanted to share a reminder that the Flower of the Month Club is coming soon. There are more details at the end of my last post here, but in summary:
On October 1st I will be sending out the first of the Flower of the Club post.Â
It will be a subscription sent by post once a month.
The subscription will contain a seasonal floral print RRP £25, + other special touches.
The price will be £20.
You can register your interest here.
Finally, a sign off from this month’s post. Looking forward to sharing more with you next month.
Emma x
(if you don’t want to miss it, subscribe to my newsletter here and the post will land in your inbox next month)
