JUNE NOTES
Summer started quite early and surprised us at the beginning of June with some of the hotter days. Really not a big fan of hot weather, especially when there is no wind nor clouds in the sky to give you a breather. Nevertheless, I am on a mission to get the most out of this summer and enjoy fun activities.
GETTING BACK ON TRACK
After being away for so many weeks, getting back to my routine has been quite a blessing, but at the same time daunting. Having a fresh perspective on my day-to-day routine, especially when struggling to be more productive, has taught me to prioritise rest more. It’s easy to make a complex and organised to-do list for the week or day, but it gets too much. I’ve noticed that I have a rather limited supply of energy and even that can come in bursts.
By noticing more closely these things, I have to set myself baby steps and a reminder that it’s fine if by some chance I don’t accomplish everything in one day. Because of my desire to find myself in a better position, I start with a big push, however I burn out fast. Balancing work, house chores, free time, creating art and not to mention all of my hobbies (why did I need to enjoy so many things?) is a challenge. To be honest, most of the time, I am not happy with how I end up splitting my time, but I am doing my best at the moment.
LONG TIME NO SEE
It’s not like I have not used traditional mediums in a long time, however I have not used them in a finished piece. In the past days, I have looked through my sketchbook and decided to grab an older idea and bring it to life fully. The first steps were to create a sketch in the real size of the illustration and afterwards to make the final lineart. I made two final linearts by using a light box to copy over from the bigger sketch.
I am still figuring out what media to use in order to add the colour. After many discussions with myself, I have decided to use three methods: mixed media (watercolour and coloured pencils), coloured pencils and digital. I am still at the beginning of my journey and testing out… well, mostly everything, so I am not sure how it will end up looking. Making three versions of an illustration might sound as an overkill, but I am trying to look at it as working on my skills and figuring out what I enjoy best. Yes, I am scared of losing time, not pushing more and not being more productive, however it’s not the case. That there is a negative line of thought, which I, myself need to work on.
For the past few years, social media has made me really reluctant to pursue my dream. If I managed to conquer procrastination and actually start working on something, then I would feel bad, because I am not fast enough to create artworks to post and share. My fear of not having enough time or being behind (by society’s norms) makes it really difficult to believe in myself.
Nevertheless, I am trying to be more gentle with myself and be my own cheerleader. I will get there one day.
MISC.
Movies/Shows: This month the new movie of Wes Anderson was released and as a recent fan of his work, I had to go watch Asteroid City and let me tell you it did not disappoint. Next to the quirky elements that appear throughout the movie, the colour palette and effects are a joy to look at if you like the style. As always a star-studded cast and each one of them did a fantastic job. I did miss seeing Bill Murray, as he is a key actor in almost all of Wes Anderson’s movies.
The Wire is a show I never thought that I would enjoy so much. For me, the most important aspect is the cast. If I enjoy seeing the actors and can connect with them, then I am mostly sold. As I am not a big fan of drug themed movies or shows, the cast and the way the story was told made me stay for the ride. I am only a few episodes in, but curious to see how the story evolves.
Books: Before Klara and the Sun I have read only Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro, which wasn’t my favourite book, nevertheless I wanted to give the author another try. I did enjoy Klara and the Sun more than Never Let Me Go. It is quite interesting to see how Klara, who is an artificial friend, observes her environment and the people surrounding her. The first part of the book, I find rather interesting to read her observations and kept me intrigued. For the second part we get to know more about the girl, who got Klara, and about the new environment and the people that came with it. From here on things started getting a bit more complex and confusing at times. Many concepts and plot lines were introduced and Klara’s character, ultimately, felt as a tool to progress the story. I might try more books from the author, but I will have moderate expectations.
I heard so much about This is Going to Hurt and mostly good things. After I was finished with it, I was left with no strong feelings about the book. Yes, the author brings up real issues about the medical system and what kind of obstacles doctors and medical staff has to face day by day. The job is one of the hardest there is and it’s always important to remember that everyone is human. I get that the author wanted to lighten up the mood by telling more of the funnier side or extraordinary moments, but maybe I am just not suited for this particular writing style.
Music: I have found the most soothing music mix ever created by MrSuicideSheep inspired “The Last of Us”. It has been on repeat for the past few days and I cannot get enough of it. The covers are based on songs I have enjoyed in the past and hearing them in this interpretation, back to back, is beautiful.
That was my June, how about yours? Summer feels like the perfect time to try out new things and enjoy outside activities as much as possible. At the same time, I am aiming to not forget about drawing on a more regular basis. With time flying by so fast, I will see you soon enough. Take care everyone ✨🌿