October 2021 Studio Time - Part 1

October is almost over…I can’t believe it. While this installment of Studio Time is coming at you a little bit late, it’s a special one! This month’s prompt is Floral Family Portrait. This month’s prompt was inspired by the fact that October is Infant and Pregnancy Loss Awareness month. My husband and I have lost three babies over the past few years, and I thought this would be a special way to remember and honor their lives.

The idea is to create a few pieces with flowers that represent each member of my family.

Before I began this project, I did a quick search of flowers of the month and chose flowers that I liked. I’ve compiled a list of symbols for each month for you below. Of course, if you want to join me in this prompt, you definitely don’t have to use flowers (or anything related to birth month) to represent your family members. You could use anything that has special meaning for you (birds, gemstones, trees, seashells, abstract colors or textures, or whatever)!

  • January: carnation, snowdrop, garnet, fir/elm/cypress trees

  • February: violet, primrose, amethyst, cypress/poplar/cedar/pine trees

  • March: daffodil, jonquil, aquamarine, weeping willow/lime tree/oak/hazelnut trees

  • April: daisy, sweet pea, diamond, rowan/maple/walnut trees

  • May: lily of the valley, hawthorn, emerald, poplar/chestnut/ash trees

  • June: rose, honeysuckle, pearl, ash/hornbeam/fig/birch/apple trees

  • July: larkspur, water lily, ruby, apple/fir/elm/cypress trees

  • August: gladiolus, poppy, peridot, cypress/poplar/cedar/pine trees

  • September: aster, morning glory, sapphire, weeping willow/lime/olive/hazelnut trees

  • October: marigold, cosmos, opal, rowan/maple/walnut trees

  • November: chrysanthemum, topaz, citrine, walnut/chestnut/ash trees

  • December: narcissus, holly, turquoise, hornbeam/fig/beech trees

I’ve made a little video to show you my process (part 2 coming soon!). I hope you’ll grab your favorite art supplies and create alongside me. I can’t wait to see what you create! Leave a comment below, or email me at hello@tarawrightstudio.com.

Curious about my supplies? Here’s what I used:

  • Since I plan to frame these pieces and display them in my home, I opted for a higher quality watercolor paper. This is Arches Cold Press 140gsm.

  • Winsor & Newton watercolors are a great choice. This travel set is my go-to at the moment.

  • I love a size 12 round brush, and for the details, I used a size 6 round brush.

Studio TimeTara WrightStudio TimeComment