🎨 September is the New January: Why This is the Perfect Month to Start Art
Aug 29, 2025
🎨 September is the New January: Why This is the Perfect Month to Start Art
For many people, January is the time for new beginnings. But for me, September has always been the real “fresh start” of the year. After 15 years working as a secondary school teacher, I never quite shook the rhythm of the academic calendar. Even now, with my daughters heading back to school, I find myself pulled back into that new term energy: fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils, and a renewed sense of focus.
And it’s not just for children or teachers. September really can be the perfect time for adults too – to try something new, start a hobby, or carve out more time for themselves.
So, why not make September your creative reset?
🌱 Why September is the Best Time for a Fresh Start
- The back-to-school mindset: There’s a natural feeling of turning over a new page – literally. New diaries, new routines, and a chance to set new intentions.
- More energy than January: Let’s face it, January can feel a bit bleak. September, on the other hand, comes with crisp mornings, autumn colours, and a sense of possibility.
- Time for you: As routines settle down, it’s a great chance to finally book in some “me time” before the festive season kicks in.
🎨 Why Choose Art as Your New Hobby?
Learning to draw or paint isn’t about being “good” at art – it’s about the process. Here’s why I think art is one of the best hobbies you can start:
- It’s mindful and relaxing. When you’re focusing on brushstrokes or shading, your mind slows down. Many of my students describe it as a form of meditation.
- It builds confidence. Every time you pick up a pencil or paintbrush, you see improvement. Little wins add up!
- It’s flexible. You can spend 10 minutes doodling or lose yourself in a three-hour workshop – both are valuable. There are lots of free short art tutorials on my website.
- It’s sociable. Join a class and you’ll meet like-minded people, often making friends along the way.
✏️ Getting Started: What You’ll Need
If you’re new to art, a great place to begin is with watercolour painting. It’s accessible, forgiving, and so versatile. Here’s a simple starter kit:
- Watercolours: You can use pans or tubes – both work well.
- Brushes: Three is plenty – sizes 0, 6 and 10 are a good start.
- Paper: Look for 300 GSM so it doesn’t buckle when wet.
- Masking tape and board: To keep your paper stable.
- Palette or plate: For mixing colours.
That’s it – simple, inexpensive, and enough to get going.
🍁 Try a September Art Class
If you’d like a little guidance to kick-start your creative journey, why not join me in the studio this September? My art classes in West Bridgford are relaxed, beginner-friendly, and all about helping you explore at your own pace.
With themes ranging from sketchbook skills to trees, landscapes and watercolour painting, there’s something for everyone – whether you’re brand new to art or picking it back up after years away.
And if you can’t make it to the studio, I also run online art workshops and my membership, the Create! Art Hub, so you can join in wherever you are
👉 Check out the latest studio art workshops in my West Bridgford, Nottingham studio here
🌟 September is the New January – Make It Yours
This month, why not make a resolution that’s all about you? Start a new sketchbook, book in a class, or simply pick up a pencil at home and give it a go.
You don’t need to be “good” at art – you just need to start.
So, grab your sketchbook and let’s make September the start of your creative year.
Happy creating,
Helen x
Want to join my FREE Pen and Watercolour course?
