Art books, sketchbooks and finding moments of joy

Despite a few tears, this video is about joy. Seeking joy, in beautiful art books, in other’s wisdom, in our own wisdom, in making art and in working in sketchbooks.

It is about joy as a rebellious and defiant decision, when life feels a little joyless.

If you want to check out my online art classes you can find out all the info here:

Books I mention in this video:

• Small Pleasures, By The School of Life, 2016
• Exhibition Catalogues of the British artist Gillian Ayres
• Exhibition catalogue from The Redfern Gallery of work by Florence Hutchings, The Dressing Room 2024
• Color Chart, A History by Anne Varichon, Princeton Press 2024
• Bloom, Art Flowers and Emotions by Rachel Giles, Tate Publishing 2021

[thebellaluna]

Love you, Helen! Not only are you an inspiring artist, but an inspiring human Be-ing! Love & Big Hugs! :)

[binkieinkisham]

Hi Helen wouldn't normally share this but I also had long COVID I couldn't leave the house etc etc. I decided to join one of you courses and found this extremely helpful. I could transport myself into a world more pleasant and joyful with hope. So thank you for that... unforgettable

[marshathomas]

I’m an Intensive Care Unit Nurse and worked Covid. I worked 6 days a week - 12 hour shifts. I saw so much death of people of all ages. I cried privately everyday. I’m sad you had a long Covid reaction but I’m so happy you made it thru alive. I’m so happy that you chose joy after your illness. You have such wisdom to share with others who have had long term illness, depression, death of a loved one, or trauma from job experiences/life, or caregiver strain from taking care of an elderly parent. Art therapy is real and it would be wonderful if you developed a course to help others through their journey using art sketch books. I love your channel, your joy for life, your passion and always your art. Thank you for all the time you invest into making these videos. You are changing and touching the world.

[mandybridger]

Bless you, so glad you’re feeling better now, long may you continue to find joy in your art, and bring others joy by sharing on this channel, I always feel better after watching your videos, thank you, take care xx ❤

[feliciahazelton]

Your work has sustained me through my husbands fight against cancer that finally took him in Nov. and I’ve been following you for a couple of years. Now signed up for your new class to keep my integration of your lovely designs. Such an inspiration. Thank you.

[polgara]

Your brother finds the best books for you!
You really have such a wonderful attitude and outlook for all that you've been through (you didn't even mention the flooding) It's lovely to see that none of that broke you, your spirit is so warm and joyful. So excited to take one of your classes, that I signed right up!! Thank you for spreading your joy! Love from Kansas ♥

[apple]

Hi Helen! Thank you very much for sharing your experiences honestly. I've had ME/CFS for decades and have a very small, solitary life and can relate with your struggles these last few years. I sincerely hope that your recovery is thorough and lasting. You share oodles of colourful joy and may all of that return to you in abundance.

[suzileggett]

Thank you for your open honesty, I always appreciate how you inspire us with your sketchbooks, and the art books too. Sending hugs💗

[bonniemiller]

You are amazing Helen…and brave and vulnerable and delightfully human and we all love you xxx

[rachelleandrichard]

I feel you sister. I'm at home and have been for a few years. It's hard. Art saves me. Thanks for sharing. I'm sorry for your loss and for the COVID fallout. Feeling poorly sure does suck the life out of us. Again, art is my safety, my adventuring, my peace and my sanctuary. So good to hear from you Helen. I bet the new course will be as inspiring as all your other courses. All the best. Rachelle, Australia xo

[claremn]

Aw u beautiful, fabulous, awesome lady ❤❤❤ bless you for sharing your story and your heart ❤ don't ever be afraid to let your emotions out. Thank you for all the amazing videos you share. I'm truly thrilled to hear you are healing ❤. Sending hugs xxx

[CS-]

Thank you Helen for the video, big hugs from Switzerland.

[EzLivin]

Thanks Helen, you are an inspiration because of (or in spite of) what you’ve been through. Thanks for sharing the joy you get from creating and keeping us all on that creative path.

[dailydoseofpaper]

Sorry you had to go through this but happy to hear you are feeling better. Thank you for all your inspiring videos. You’ve definitively got me into looking more at how to use pattern, color etc. And yes…sketchbooks. Wonderful!💖🍀💐❤️

[FamilyOfBeasts]

You are SO inspiring Helen, thank you for being such a lovely bright beacon. It sounds like you've been through some very difficult times, I hope it's getting easier for you X

[leah]

Your positivity and joy is infectious and I also appreciate you being real and approachable. 🌸🌸🌸

[stacyg]

Thank you for sharing. Your light shines out to the world and your art exudes joy! I have enjoyed several of your classes including Joy Filled Flowers. Your wisdom and experience have taught me so much. Here's to regaining good health. Peace.

[jilliantoombs]

Hello Helen! Just want to say thank you for your honest vulnerability about your struggles, and the role your books and sketchbooks played in the healing process. It does not go unappreciated. You inspire me and so many others. Your heart is a jewel in this art world! ❤💎🎨

[AgnetaTynander]

Oh! This couldn´t have come at a better time! Thank you SO much! You are such an inspiration! Love, Agneta

[SarahMaddox-pf]

oh Helen thanks for sharing this. I'm so sorry you've been so ill. You and your work bring me joy all time