If my Art had a travel journal, July would have filled a whole book!

Helen Abbott
Aug 5
4 min read

Updated: Sep 5

A Whirlwind of Inspiration

I thought after Bucks Art Weeks it would be quiet. In some ways, it was. However, my art had other ideas! I usually plan a break from commissions after such a busy period. I tend to relax on social media during this time. But nope, not this year! That break didn’t happen.

From ballet in Australia to breakfast TV in Antigua and Barbuda, via London Pride, Urban Sketching, and even a trip to America—oh, and moving to a studio! It has been a whirlwind of creativity!

A Special Commission

The last weekend of Bucks Art Weeks brought an exciting enquiry from a wonderful Australian composer. I had spoken to his aunt a year ago and followed his journey. Stan Lee had written a ballet called Aquila, which was in rehearsals with the Brisbane Ballet. I have always loved ballet; the combination of visual art and music is simply magical.

When I was asked to paint a picture of a stunning ballerina, I was thrilled! This artwork was then set to the music from the ballet in a video. I would love to see this ballet one day and hope it makes its way to Europe! Please do follow Stan; his music is amazing!

Urban Sketching: A New Adventure

During Bucks Art Weeks, we had a delightful visit from the talented Su Melville. She was on her way north to run a sketching workshop. While she was with us, she spoke passionately about Urban Sketching. This truly grabbed our attention! Fast forward to the end of July, and we have already run two events in Milton Keynes.

Urban Sketching is a lovely, free way to meet other artists. We sketch for an hour and usually end with a coffee in a café. Our first meet was at Milton Keynes Gallery, and the second was at The Point, the UK’s first multiplex cinema, which is unfortunately at risk of disappearing.

A huge thank you to Su Melville for inspiring us to start this group! Lesley Keck and I have planned more events right into the autumn, so do get in touch if you'd like to join us.

Summer Sketchbook Scavenger Hunt

I also organised a Summer Sketchbook Scavenger Hunt for anyone to join in. You can download it from my website. It’s a list of things to look out for and sketch over the summer. Over the past few years, I’ve realised how important being creative is for mental well-being and physical health! When stress levels are reduced, healing becomes so much easier. Taking time to slow down and look around is vital.

New Directions in Art

July was also a time for me to reveal a new direction in my art! I love combining vintage music and art, so I worked on a way to merge these into wearable art. Within just a month of unveiling my “Art for your Ears” earrings, they have appeared at London Pride, travelled to the US and France, and even featured on Antigua and Barbuda TV during their breakfast programme, with three people wearing them!

I have nearly sold out of the first batch, with people commenting on how unique they are. Not only are they unique, but they are also more environmentally friendly than others that use resin. Mine use a natural combination of wax and damar resin or glass to seal them. I’m already working on new ideas, so stay tuned!

A Successful Month for Paintings

July was also a successful month for my paintings, with three finding new homes in America. The US has always been a place where my art has been popular, but this was the first time I sold through a gallery (Obsidian in Swanbourne).

Enjoying art couldn’t have been better either! The Milton Keynes International Festival took place again this summer, showcasing two of the best art/sound installations I have ever seen. Mark Anderson’s Warning Notes was incredible when viewed between dusk and night. Michael Pendry’s Les Colombes was equally breathtaking, and Luke Jerram’s Mars was impressive to see.

Milton Keynes Gallery’s exhibition of Andy Warhol’s work came to an end, and a new photography exhibition began. That’s something to look forward to in August!

Family Adventures in Music

My daughters have been busy playing music across the globe! One played violin for Opera de Bauge in France for most of July, while the other helped with Go Compose in Antigua for a week. My husband and I participated in a smaller local event with our orchestra. Our orchestra has funded a chamber music group through the local music service this summer. They came along to share their work and perform with us. It was a wonderful collaboration of community music in each place. Music, like art, restores us all.

A New Studio Space

Finally, I have big news! After a long wait, I have moved into a studio at York House in Stony Stratford. This space allows me to upscale my work and potentially offer workshops in the future. Facilitating others to embrace art as part of their well-being is so important to me.

August looms ahead, and I’m starting to think of Christmas (sorry, yes, I mentioned it!). I already have commissions for birthdays later in the year, as well as Christmas. If this is something you’re considering, please get in touch soon! I have the Christmas card design for The Northern King Charles Spaniel Club to complete by September, and I’m also working on items for the Pop-Up showcase in November.