Graphics & Griffonage

I started some ink and watercolour sketches in my exquisite hand-bound sketchbook, with leather cover and thick sheets of watercolour paper. I’ve called it “Graphics & Griffonage” because I combine drawing, painting, my terrible handwriting and cut-outs to create interesting images. I’d like to get in the habit of adding to the pages every day, as a warm-up before doing my “real” art. Let’s see if I can fill the book by the end of 2025!

Below is a little peek into my Graphics and Griffonage sketchbook.
Click/tap on the thumbnails in the photo-gallery to view the images

Fitting Finale

The Inktober/HOPE Project raised a fantastic R12 520 for the Church of the Nazarene’s HOPE Basket (Help Other People Eat). Thank you to all who participated in the online bidding, donated cash, bought raffle tickets (you still have until 1 December to buy and pay for tickets), covered the project in prayer, and encouraged me to keep going.

Below is the full set of INKTOBER 2024 ink drawings that were sold on auction. Visit the GALLERY to see the full set of INKTOBER 2023 drawings.
Click/tap on the thumbnails in the photo-gallery to view the images

A Case for Cursive

Have you noticed that British people over a certain age tend to have elegant cursive penmanship? This is probably because they learned to write with a pen and nib dipped in ink.  John’s Mum had the most beautiful handwriting, and left-handed John’s distinctive copperplate script was much admired by his younger colleagues.

Experts in the field suggest that cursive can provide similar benefits to the brain as learning to play a musical instrument, but due to technological advancement, the use of cursive has quickly declined since the start of the 21st century. Cursive is no longer taught in many schools, and it’s believed that countless members of Gen Z (born 1997 – 2012) have never been taught how to read or write cursive. Instead, they’re taught to type, which is of course a very sensible thing to do, and very desirable for those unfortunates whose handwriting can be described as “griffonage” (an illegible scribble or scrawl).

November Birthdays

Brandi Carlile’s “The Story” is dedicated to Marphy, Celia, Pam, Celeste, Erika, Tara, Bev, Nicole, Jenny L, Erica K, Mark, Joanne and Keryn. May you always have someone to tell your stories to.

Thank you so much for subscribing to my art newsletter, and for all your kind feedback.
Please feel free to share my website link with your friends and family, and on your social media.

Maria Kaye xx