October 2025
Hello Lovelies
Spring in Melbourne has been as chaotic as the state of the world! We certainly have maintained the reputation of four seasons in one day! The farm is looking stunning with spring flowers everywhere, reminding me of the notes of an orchestra as new flowers rise, while others die down. Of course, this is contrasted with many trees down after wind storms. I always find that sad.
News
It’s been a wonderfully busy time with the local arts festival coming up and the commencement of my second botanical watercolour course. I’m so pleased to have my students back as we tackle a new subject with new challenges, sprinkled with lots of chatting! I did mention that they are signing up for a life time of frustration, because one will always want to push one’s boundaries as a painter. We never reach a point where we stop learning. We just want to try the next challenge. It’s a life long pursuit! But well worth it as it teaches us patience, perseverance and problem solving skills.
I am submitting four paintings to the festival, with the fourth being my contribution to the local flora. I went out orchid hunting for reference and discovered some delicate Green Hood Orchids. I was thrilled! I was really hoping to spot a Flying Duck Orchard, but I was excited none the less. The painting is still in progress, but very close to complete - I hope! That’s if I don’t mess with it, which I am very tempted to do.
What I’m working on…
As you probably already know, I love, love, love Procreate and have been painting digitally for some time. I’m exploring the NFT market at the moment. If you don’t know what that is, it’s kind of like Bitcoin for artists. There’s a lot to get my head around! I’ve reworked what I call my “virgin” art in order to offer something unique and modern but which still maintains the beauty and discipline of my style with botanical subjects. The hardest part at the moment is finding a platform which aligns with my values. There is a lot of junk art on many of them. I don’t want to get lost among the noise. I am in the process of applying to my dream platform. It’s a long process and they take on a very small percentage of applicants but hopefully I will be accepted next year. I’ll keep you posted. I’ve updated my website to reflect this added direction. If you haven’t been on my site for while, go and check it out. I do actually enjoy the tech side of my business and get really excited about new fonts and page layouts. (If you would like to take over the marketing side, though, I won’t refuse!😉)
This Month’s Free Downloads
This month, I am giving you two free downloads in Jo’s Gift Garden- Fun Flowers Gift Tags and Fun Flowers Bookmarks. I’ve also updated a set of gift tags with a coloured background. Next month, I will have something extra special for you, so keep a look out in your inbox.
Invitation (thoughts on life and faith)
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love. Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)
Oh my gosh! I can’t remember ever being stretched like this before, waiting for The Lord to help us through a situation. It’s been nearly a whole year already. Good to know that I am developing some character through it. 😅 Seriously though, I would never make it without His help. I’ve been very uncomfortable, but I have experienced His hand in sustaining and strengthening me. I know that our hope will not lead to disappointment because He loves us. I look forward to sharing our breakthrough when it comes.
See you in November!
With joy and beauty,
Jo xxx
