Festive Notes and Dates
- Amy Jobes
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Festive greetings friends
It's that time of year again!
This update is to let you know about upcoming events, workshops, retreats, and art fairs. I've also included a few of my own musings about slow living and my need for calm comfort at this time of year. And if you make it to the end there's even a little poem for you.
I hope you'll settle down with a nice hot drink to enjoy these festive notes, but if you're in a hurry you can jump to the section that interests you the most by following these links:
Calm Christmas
This year I have made a promise to myself to try to keep it all as calm and peaceful as possible. A much as I love the twinkling lights and friendly gatherings, the urge to retreat inwards and hibernate during these darker months is very real!
As nature is preparing for her long Winter's sleep, we humans tend to push ourselves harder than ever in the run up to Christmas.
But while I live a varied and fulfilling life, as a sensitive soul I get no joy from rushing from one thing to the next. Quite the opposite - I find frantic living exhausting, and it leaves me feeling depleted and miserable. A calmer and slower-paced Christmas is something I am aiming for if at all possible!
Slow living is something I've become interested in this year, and something I intend to write about in more details in the future. It's closely linked to mindfulness, minimalism and being more grounded and present in our day to day lives. It also includes intentional purchases, where we buy less things, but items we do purchase are investments, things we love, or things that are high quality and will last a lifetime. Or all three!
Clearing out unused items from our home and deleting old electronic files has been a big focus of mine this year. It's felt like I've been wiping away dust from my soul, clearing a path for a new version of myself. As a result I feel like time and space have opened up for me, strengthening my focus and sense of purpose.
I have also decided not to do any Christmas markets or events this year. This has carved out more time and energy to create beautiful new oil paintings for Bath Art Fair in February and Echo Beach Gallery in the Spring. I'm so deeply in love with painting right now and I can't wait to share my new works with you!
I have a little treat in store for you, as a thank you for signing up to my inner circle and sharing my creative journey with me. If you use the code COLOUR25 at the checkout you will get 25% off any of my limited edition prints. More details are below and the offer is open until midnight on Sunday 30 November.
Colour Friday 28 November 2025
Friday 28 December is Colour Friday! A day to celebrate ad support our amazing Independent Businesses.
It's also Black Friday, so you'll be receiving vast numbers of offers and discounts from big companies. Most of whom are usually doing fine economically and have questionable values and ethics. The transaction is impersonal and faceless, and the profits will most likely end up offshore lining the pockets of someone who is already hoarding unimaginable amounts of wealth.
The joyful alternative is to shop small and independent where possible! I for one am aiming to buy at least 50% of my Christmas gifts from Independent retailors. Did you know that spending just £10 with a local business is likely to put £50 back into your local economy? This is because the business owner is much more likely to spend their money at a local restaurant, farmers market or pay for their child's swimming lessons than the owner of Amazon Jeff Bezos!
If you'd like to help support my own independent business, I have a festive offer for you.
You can save 25% off my limited edition prints until midnight on Sunday 30 November. Simply use the code COLOUR25 at the checkout.
Studio visits
I may not be taking part in a Christmas market this year, but my studio is always open by appointment. With the exception of Mondays and Tuesdays when I work my part-time job!
I work from Art Mash at Chivenor Business Park and it's a super friendly and inspiring space. The kettle is always on and you will be greeted with a warm drink and a smile!
If you'd like to pop in to look around - there are framed and mounted prints, greetings cards and originals for sale - please email me amy@amyjobes.com with the title 'Studio Visit' to book a visit.
Art Mash
Unit 8
Chivenor Business Park
Braunton
EX31 4FJ
Gift Cards
Amy Jobes Art electronic gift cards are available! These are for use in my online shop only.
Click on the image or button below for more information.
Introduction to Oil Painting
Sunday 30th November 2025 // 10:30 -15:30
My final painting workshop of the year is on Sunday! Taking place at Studio KIND in Barnstaple from 10.30 to 3.30pm and there are a couple of spaces still available. Please follow the link above for more details.
"If you have ever wanted to try your hand at oil painting and simply don't know where to start, this beginners workshop with Amy Jobes will help unleash your creativity. The day includes: Composition ideas, how to start using a sketch and ground, how to create depth with tone, working from dark to light, muted vs saturated colours, and impasto mark marking."
New Dates for Art Retreat!
Spaces are already filling up for my art retreat with Lone Pine Retreats in Lynmouth next year! We have made a slight adjustment to the dates, with the retreat now starting on Wednesday 17 June and ending on Saturday 20 June 2026.
The retreats are a fully immersive experience, where you will be cared and catered for in an absolutely stunning setting. I will guide you on sketch walks and give you one to one support in the studio to help you create a work of art (or many!), that you can be proud to take home. The boutique accommodation is glorious and the homemade food is exquisite. This is a real treat for your body and soul!
Click on the link below for testimonials, more information and bookings. Our fabulous host Claudine will gladly answer any questions.
If you would like to gift someone special the incredible art retreat experience, gift vouchers are available! Contact Claudine at Lone Pine Retreats for more information.
Bath Art Fair 2026
My collection of oil paintings to display at Bath Art Fair is coming together and I can' wait to share my new creations with you!
It would be wonderful to see you there, and now is a perfect time to book your accommodation for a wonderful arty weekend in beautiful Bath!
The Fair is open from Friday 27 February to Sunday 1 March, and I will be exhibiting with my talented friend Josie Grant.
Find us on Stand number 17!
'Dance' Collection at Echo Beach Gallery
Moonlit Dance
At dusk, we dance to the ocean’s edge,
where twilight spills its rose-gold flame.
Your hand finds mine, and the world grows soft -
waves share their secrets towards our toes.
We dance by the tide’s slow breath,
our shadows braided on the sand.
The sky sighs open, luminous and tender,
and time, enchanted, forgets to pass.
I am delighted that my statement piece for my Dance Collection 'The Windswept Wild', has found a loving home. All of these vibrant and emotive oil paintings are inspired by loving connections by the shore. To discover more, visit the wonderful Echo Beach Gallery in Ilfracombe, or take a look at the collection online.
Nina at the gallery will be happy to assist you with any further details you wish to know.
I think that's everything from me! Well done and big thanks if you've made it to the end!
Your support is so warmly appreciated, and I send you my warmest wishes for this festive season.
P.s. use the code COLOUR25 fora 25% discount off my limited edition prints! Offer closes at midnight on Sunday 30 November.
P.p.s Please show your support by forwarding this message to an art-loving friend! Thanks so much xx
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