Sometimes my mathematical side – the unapologetic problem-solver in me – comes to the surface, and I feel the need to return to familiar territory, such as tessellations and patterns, drawing inspiration from different artists, and particularly from M.C. Escher.
A single mark or shape, when repeated, creates a sense of order and safety in the mind, both for those who look at it and, perhaps even more so, for those who draw, carve or print it.
Alhambra ornamental patterns
Granada
It's the ultimate challenge of working within limitations! You have only a handful of geometric shapes at your disposal, and your task is to cover an entire surface using those shapes – and those shapes alone. Sometimes, even the colour palette is restricted to bring out the beauty of the forms.
Nobody likes being constrained or limited. And yet, through a mechanism I don't even feel particularly inclined to analyse, the mind does everything it can to break free and make room for creativity, IN SPITE OF those limitations.
Such a powerful expression: in spite of. I'm going to make a note of that one!
Mathigon
M.C.Escher
So today I had fun playing around with a Mindful Watercolour pattern, or tessellation. Partly just for the pleasure of experimenting, but also to see what happens when one of my drawings is repeated across a fairly large surface.
This is just an initial study, and there are still plenty of things to refine. But I like the idea of sharing these experiments and creative explorations here too. Who knows whether they will eventually find a place in my artistic practice or simply remain a lovely moment of creativity in themselves.
I also had fun imagining a piece of Christmas wrapping paper featuring some adorable little animals, once again using a repeating pattern.
I know perfectly well that nowadays these kinds of things can be created with a single click using AI. AND YET, I have absolutely no intention of giving up the joy of inventing my own characters, choosing colours and watching a project gradually come to life in my hands!
DIY wrapping paper!
Cute animals
And since we're already talking about Christmas gift wrapping, I'd love to invite you to join me on 21 or 22 November for the Mindful Watercolour Christmas Edition Workshop.
You'll learn how to create things like these, and much more, even if you have very little experience. All you need is the desire to have fun and explore your creativity!
And if you're looking for a gift for someone who might love the opportunity to spend three days reconnecting with themselves through watercolour and mindfulness, I'd also love to tell you about a special weekend retreat.
From 9 to 11 April 2027, we'll gather at the ancient Monastery of Fonte Avellana (PU), nestled in the beautiful landscape between the Marche and Umbria regions of Italy.
Surrounded by silence and nature, we'll immerse ourselves in the practices of Mindful Watercolour and mindfulness, allowing ourselves time and space to slow down, reconnect and create.
Book by 11 January 2027 to enjoy an early booking discount!