26 Comments

Such a lovely post, Anna. Thank you. You're so good at creating imagery with your words, but then your drawings and your photographs (OMG your photographs) always add a new perspective. You're multiply talented. Thank you for sharing all of this. I long to discover new places, but will content myself with enjoying your adventures until I can.

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ahh you're too lovely Jenny, thank you! I do feel very lucky to have had the freedom I have. And it's so nice to share it and have it appreciated. Many thanks!

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I absolutely loved this post, just add weather… to be honest I hardly read many blog type posts but this one drew me in completely. Loved it thank you.

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Ahh that’s a most lovely compliment! Thanks very much. ☔️

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Beautiful! Drawings, photographs and words alike. ❤️

Thank you for giving me a new perspective on how adding 'weather' creates atmosphere and enhances the feeling of a drawing. I've never thought about it that way.

As someone who also loves how weather changes places and who is also fond of weather that sometimes likes a dramatic entrance that post really resonated with me. Loving autumn, but after seeing your drawings just now, very much looking forward to a snowy winter. 😊

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Hi Claudia, Thanks for this lovely message! And I'm so delighted it made you think a bit differently about that - made me happy. Thank you! And bring on a particularly snowy winter, that would be most excellent!

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Thank you for this brilliant post . As we are just moving into almost Spring in Canada it is strangely typical that in general we can’t get enamoured with our winters - even though they are inevitable ! ( Skiers and hockey players aside of course ! ) you have encouraged me to see and experience snow and cold weather differently ! In the beginning I tend to be charmed by a soft fluffy snowfall - yet by March it feels like enough .. when I think of it visually as a “limited palette” this somehow changes things for me. Also the indoor coziness we seek . Thank you for artistically reframing cold :-)

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oh that's such a delightful thing to read! Thanks so much Heather - so nice to think I can help you see 'cold' a little more happily :) I hope you start to see some Spring soon!

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A lovely lunchbreak read, thank you Anna. Beautiful drawings, the weather element indeed makes them so evocative. I agree about loving the winter weather, how it can make you feel alive (as long as there is somewhere cosy to escape the chill when you've had enough!). I am a Brightonian these days and have just returned from Margate. Only a hop along the coast but wow what a different climate - the cold wind is quite exhausting. I had to shed layers as I walked home from the station on my return - and back to a somewhat Indian summer here on the Sussex coast!

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ahh, the wind! I love a cold wind and you are right - it can really make things feel soooo cold and invigorating. Totally also agree with the need to have a warm escape. It would all be far less fun without that... Thanks for the lovely comment! I'm so pleased you enjoyed reading. x

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The power of your worldly observations captured by your word smithing and your drawings bring to mind magical and familiar scenes. You are so ready to write illustrate and publish your first children’s book Anna. I think that your kind of weather and feelings would make a beautiful book!!

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This post gave me such lovely feelings Anna. I love moody weather too (less so the snow - though that swans photo is breathtaking!) and I have similar feelings about my favourite times of day to illustrate. That dusky in between time is just magic.

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oh that's so very lovely to hear! I'm so pleased it gave you those vibes. The feeling of lovely moody lighting is just everything isn't it! Thanks so much

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Hi love your drawings they are so hygee, and wonderful. I see what your say regarding drawing snowy or a rainy day scenes, they creates quite the backdrop for all types of drama. I love how all the colours pop against these neutral colours. I also love the work of Hiroshige especially Sudden shower. Do you like his work?

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Thanks so very much Joy! I do indeed love the work of Hiroshige. I will have to look up 'Sudden Shower' to remind myself which piece that is! I haven't looked at anything by him for ages so I will enjoy the revisit. Thanks you!

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Thank you - you really write the most lovely posts - I’ve only once tried illustrating weather to go with a Celtic saying I was writing out - and it is very hard! I had to concentrate on simple elements- wind, rain, sun. You’ve shown how to illustrate atmosphere and so well done!

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Thanks so much Helen! Yeah, I find the rainy, windy, snowy weather not too difficult - but to get a beautiful sunny feeling is quite hard for me! I think because I don't love it and it shoes. Thanks for the lovely comment.

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This was such an interesting, poetic read Anna. It’s made me really think about why I love weather too - particularly snow and I think it is the limited palette. Feeling very inspired to look back through my favourite weather photos. Thank you!

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Thanks so much Charlotte! The limited palette of snowy scenes is the best! x

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Thanks Anna for sharing so beautifully in words and pictures

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Thanks mum x

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This was MAGICAL to find in my inbox today. Thank you for sharing it! That cozy kitchen makes me feel all the warm cozies.

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Ahh that makes me happy! So pleased it brought you some joy! Thank you!

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You write beautifully Anna. I loved the idea of adding weather to a picture. The swan photo is breathtaking. Now I need to explore this new platform.

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ahh thank you so much Karen! It's a lovely platform I think... lots of potential. Kind of like the old days of blogging but with ways to connect with one another. x

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i am binging on your substack on a sunday afternoon and i'm feeling all the vibes; cozy, inspired, aw, connection

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