Moon Phases or Seasons

I'm mindful that it's World Mental Health Day, on 10 October, raising awareness, challenging stigma, and promoting understanding, compassion, and support for people living with mental health conditions.

There are two different topics to look at this week, you may choose one or combine both, you decide...

Moon Phases - The Moon orbits Earth while Earth orbits the Sun, creating a rhythm in our sky. Tidally locked, the same side always faces Earth. It reflects sunlight, not its own light. As sunlight hits different areas, we see changing phases: new moon, first quarter, full moon, and third quarter, with waxing and waning crescents and gibbous phases between. The Moon takes about 27.3 days to orbit Earth and 29.5 days for a full cycle. Beyond its science, the Moon has inspired artists for centuries, including Vincent van Gogh in Starry Night and Caspar David Friedrich in Moonrise over the Sea.

Phases of the moon, image by Antonio Cidadao

Seasons - In the UK, four distinct seasons bring different weather and changes in nature. Spring brings new growth, blossoms, and newborn animals. Summer is warm and bright, with plants and flowers thriving. In autumn, leaves fall, temperatures drop, and some animals begin to hibernate. Winter is the coldest season, often with frost or snow, and little grows. These seasons shape how people, plants, and animals live and inspire artists with their shifting colours, changing landscapes, and natural beauty throughout the year.

Titian tresses are transformed into leaves in this painting. Artist unknown. Referenced by Julie on the blog, The Celtic Lady

Art inspiration;

🎨 Draw and paint a mystical moon, during one of its phases, using a different technique to create an interesting crater-like surface. Tin foil is great at creating this texture!

🎨 Create a moonscape. You may wish to add a celestial night-time character, in silhouette, who can only be seen by the light of the moon and stars

🎨 Design an artwork based on the phases of the moon. You may wish to use colours of your choice for the background

🎨 What is your favourite Season? Draw or paint your favourite aspect, use colour and your flair to show this

🎨 You may wish to demonstrate your favourite season or seasons with clothing designs or places you have visited that highlight the area during the season, or this may be a moon phase-related theme, too

I look forward to sharing time and seeing your ideas come together. It will be a great evening of creativity! See you all soon, Wednesday evening, 7:30 pm UK time. Please join us on link-tree select All4Art https://linktr.ee/all4inclusion