THE VILLAGE IN APRIL
- nessart16
- Mar 27
- 3 min read
Updated: May 7
If there was ever one drawing that holds immense personal significance, it is the one I created for the month of April in the 2025 calendar.
Welcome to The Village in April, the fourth blog post in my 2025 Calendar Blog Series. Over the rest of this year, I’ll be taking you behind the scenes of each month’s illustration, sharing stories, memories, and reflections that continue to shape my creative journey.
For 2025, I created a collection that bridges my childhood art with my current skill level - I’ve revisited some of my old oil pastel drawings and watercolour paintings, recreated them digitally, and added reflective thoughts, messages, and affirmations that connect what they meant to me then with what they mean to me now. Each month is crafted with care, representing both the season and a personal story.
And a quick plug: my 2025 calendar collection is available at a lovely discounted price till I run out! From tabletop and wall calendars to mini calendars, calendar cards, wallpapers, and bookmarks, there’s something for everyone in my shop.
It all began in my art class, little Ness armed with oil pastels and a heart full of wonder. My very first edition was a simple layout filled with warm, inviting colours. That original illustration featured rolling hills, cartoony houses, and lush bushes, evoking the comforting charm of a warm countryside.
During a school greeting card-making competition, I decided to reimagine that childhood drawing as a "welcome home" card, which I dedicated to one of my teachers at the time. I infused the piece with even more personality by adding playful words and extra rolling hills. The drawing radiated a soft, warm feeling - as if it were so delightful, I could almost taste it. I know, I have really weird cravings. I loved it so much that I continued to recreate this design for future greeting cards, each iteration capturing a deeper part of my evolving passion and style.
But the journey didn’t stop there. this cherished illustration made an exciting return during last year's "Peachtober." For the day 22 prompt, "Village," I redrew my childhood creation one more in my current style. The process filled me with immense joy and sparked inspiration for a much larger project - the creation of my calendar, "Growing in 2025," which aims to recreate elements of my childhood through art.
This was not only the first drawing I made for the calendar, but also the first one I finalized with text on the reverse side. Over time, this illustration has become my signature piece, gracing my thank-you cards, wallpapers, bookmarks, and even my website. Reflecting on its journey from a simple art class exercise to an integral part of my identity feels like a full-circle moment.
While working on the calendar illustration, I realized that the original artwork needed a new format to fit the project. I redrew it once more, separating the elements into layers so I could reposition and refine each detail while preserving its original charm. It was like breathing new life into an old friend - reimagining it now to fit a fresh, exciting vision without losing its essence. I also created another version for the reverse side of the month.
The meaning behind this drawing evolved naturally as I contemplated its title, "The Village." The phrase "it takes a village" instantly reminded me of the support we receive from those around us. Though the original saying goes, "it takes a village to raise a child," the sentiment remains the same. The illustration represents how our lives are woven together by many caring hands and open hearts. It’s a gentle reminder that we’re never truly alone - that it’s okay to lean on others, to allow their kindness to guide us, and to share the weight of our burdens. When the road feels long and the load heavy, reaching out to our village, with its open arms and steady hands, is a sign of strength, not weakness.
This illustration and its accompanying message mark the beginning of my calendar project and encapsulate a milestone in my artistic journey. I am deeply grateful to my younger self for creating this piece in art class - an act that has blossomed into my most cherished work. I know I will revisit this drawing time and again, as it continually inspires and comforts me. It stands as a testament to the beauty of growth, the power of community, and the timeless joy of art.
Stay tuned for April's story, and if you haven’t yet, check out my
2025 calendar collection to bring these illustrations into your home!
Comentarios