Hello Reader! I'm coming at you with something new -- a newsletter, to be exact! I've wanted to do a monthly newsletter for years, but I didn't really know where to begin. It wasn't until recently that I saw Peggy's newsletter (of The Pigeon Letters fame) that I was inspired to give it a try. So here we are! I want to use this monthly newsletter to connect with you on a more human-to-human level. You can expect this to be a place where I share all the nonsense that tickles my fancy as well as more business-minded updates. So without further ado, let's jump in! First, let's take a look at the month ahead. We have a busy month for live classes! With three free classes, four Foxsy members-only classes, and two members-only Q&As, there are lots of opportunities to join me in July. The first free live class is tomorrow, July 9th at 2pm CDT, where I'll be showing you the complete basics of watercolors. You can still register right here if you want to come! If you want to get access to ALL these live classes, become a Foxsy member today!β If you want to register for any of the other free classes, just keep an eye on your inbox. We're getting the registration pages set up now. One of my very favorite things about Chicago is that the thrifting scene is HOT. Right now is moving season, and that means lots of spectacular stuff is ending up on FB Marketplace, local thrift stores, and even just sitting on the sidewalk with a "free" sign. I am a firm believer in reusing perfectly good stuff, so this wonderland of gently used junk delights me. A few days ago, I found a free box of exquisite items, such as: beautiful handmade ceramics, trendy ceramic decor, rope baskets in great condition, and one unused boob candle. You know, the candles that are molded after real breasts and the wick is the nipple. I often wonder who she is (the model to whom the boob belongs), but I thank her for her contribution to my home decor. After doing a little searching, this candle was almost certainly made by the Candletit company, which appears to be based in Chicago! I also found the weirdest boxy leather hair-hide backpack that was almost too ugly to bring home -- but it was also too interesting to leave behind. We looked it up when we got home and it appears to be a Swiss Army med kit bag from WWII. How unexpected! I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it yet, but I can tell you one thing: the city of Chicago never disappoints. We have the best junk. Chicago is home to a thriving population of peregrine falcons, which is a fascinating bird of prey. A family of at least five of these predators are regulars in my neighborhood. I see them perched in trees as they munch on their meals or soaring overhead (while getting harassed by angry songbirds). Did you know that the peregrine falcon can reach the fastest speed of any animal on earth? When it performs its spectacular dive, called a stoop, it can reach speeds of over 200 mph, with the fasted recorded speed clocking out at 242 mph! I know that if I don't cut myself off somewhere, I'll keep going on and on about all kinds of things. What can I say? I like to share! I hope you enjoyed this little slice of my world -- there is certainly more to come in the future. Now I'm off to head home and enjoy a lazy evening at home after many days of hectic travel. Now I want to hear from you: What's the weirdest item you've found while thrifting? Hit reply and tell me -- bonus points if you send in a picture! Catch you in tomorrow's free live class! Cheers, Shelby |
I'm here to teach you how to unleash your creative side. Not only will you learn the essential techniques you need, but you'll also get the tools to start making creativity a priority in your life. With my help, you can build the life and career you want on your own terms. So what are you waiting for? Let's get started!
Making art doesn't have to be hard, Reader. You don't always need to plan an elaborate piece, or have a theme -- or even what materials to use. Sometimes it's as easy as sitting down, picking up whatever pen you have lying around, and making a few messy marks. Just the other day, I was feeling overwhelmed and sat down in a huff at my desk in front of an open sketchbook. I grabbed the sharpie pen that was within reach and started squiggling all over the page without any thought or plan. I...
Reader, do you ever have it where you draw one beautiful, perfect eye, but the second one always ends up weird? Or do your characters always end up looking stiff and unnatural? I used to struggle with this all. the. time. My go-to drawing workflow always started with the eyes, then the rest of the face, then the body, one limb at a time. I thought this was THE way to draw people and faces, so I clung to it for years. Flipping through my old sketchbooks, I see it everywhere -- half-done faces...
Hey there, Reader πβοΈ As the clock ticks towards midnight, the final hours of the Early Bird sale are upon us. I have loved seeing so many of you jumping on this rare opportunity to propel your creativity to new heights. But if you've been on the fence waiting for the perfect moment to make your move, this is it. Before the moment passes, I want to share a comment from one of our many happy students. I really enjoyed this... Instructions and examples were clear and practical and the feedback...