It's so important to surround yourself with your 'arty tribe'...

Hey Reader
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So, this week I was lucky enough to take two days out and head up to Shropshire for the International Watercolour Masters...​
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I did a workshop with Watercolour Master Bjorn Bernstrom - That's me and Bjorn up there in the photo (Me looking pretty chuffed, him a little confused) 😂 But the thing is...
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As much as the workshop was great, and the techniques and skills I learnt from him were invaluable - he wasn't the most important person in the room (Sorry Bjorn!)
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Do you know who was...
It was the other people like me, the other students.
The folk who I connected with pretty instantly...
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Why? Because they were 'arty farty too'!. 🤷‍♀️
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​And I can't stress enough the importance of finding your 'arty' tribe...​
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I've written about this before because it's made a huge difference to my creativity and painting practice. It's the true reason I love teaching my watercolour workshops. To meet other artists like you - who love doing what I do - that's the real JOY!​
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Also...Art can be a lonely practice too...So, it's a really great idea to get out and explore, connect and meet others who inspire you..
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​And at the IWMasters 2026 - there was inspiration in bucket loads...​
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​Some people I discovered and worth checking out:​
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​Bjorn Bernstrom - breathtaking landscapes and a truly nice guy
​Adam Papke - Stunning watercolour landscapes
​Elke Memmler - gorgeous florals
​Nicolas Lopez - WOW! A master of light and shade
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​So...Maybe if you're feeling a bit stuck or stagnant in your art.
Down brushes. ​
​Head out and find some inspiration...
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It 100% works!​
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Til next time,
Sue 🎨💛

P.S I'll be doing a video this coming week on embracing blooms and loving cauliflowers - watch this space...

"Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time." Thomas Merton