A Slower Season, Not a Silent One

November has arrived, and with it comes that familiar shift in the air — quieter mornings, darker evenings, and a gentle tug to slow down.

Photo by Alisa Anton on Unsplash

The last couple of weeks haven’t been particularly creative in the studio. Not because I’ve lost interest, and not because inspiration has disappeared… simply because life has asked more of me in other places.

There’s been decorating. There’s been clearing the garden (how does rubbish multiply when you’re not looking?). There’s been real, physical tiredness — the kind that settles in your bones after a day of lifting, sorting, and tidying. And on top of that, I’ve been building a more consistent exercise routine, which has been wonderful… but has also made my body say, “We’re done for the day.”

So yes, my pencils have been a little quiet. But art hasn’t left me.

Even when I’m not drawing, I’m still thinking visually:

• noticing colours outdoors

• imagining ideas I want to try

• feeling the itch to sketch again

• planning how to pick up my 30-day challenge

Sometimes creativity keeps working in the background, even when our hands are too tired to hold a pencil.

Picking Up the Thread Again

My plan is to ease back in — no pressure, no rushing. A sketchbook session here and there. A bit of playful mark-making. And then moving back into the rhythm of my art challenge, one day at a time.

I think that’s one of the lessons this year keeps teaching me: Creativity doesn’t disappear just because life gets busy. It pauses, rests, and waits. And when we’re ready, it’s still there.

If you’re in that space too…

Maybe you’ve also had a season where life has been louder than your art or hobbies. Maybe your energy has been going into work, family, your home, or your health.

If so, consider this a gentle reminder:

You don’t have to create every day to still be an artist.

Sometimes the most creative thing we can do is take care of ourselves, refill our energy, and come back with a clearer mind and steadier hands.

I’ll be sharing more soon — sketches, updates, and little peeks behind the scenes as I get going again.

Thank you for being here during the quieter season, too.

It means more than you know.