Jamie Fingal: Back to Drawing and Painting

By Art Threads Weekly

In November 2020, renowned textile artist and illustrator Jamie Fingal reconnected with her love of drawing and painting after months of pandemic-induced solitude. Like many creatives during the COVID-19 lockdowns, Fingal sought comfort and inspiration in returning to the basics of her artistic roots: ink, watercolor, and joyful imagination.

“I needed to do something happy,” she shared, after more than eight months of staying safely at home. The result was a blossoming of vibrant sketches and watercolors — cheerful, spontaneous, and deeply expressive.

Visual Journals Reborn

Jamie has long been a visual storyteller. In April 2011, she reintroduced watercolor into her practice with whimsical house illustrations. Micron pens defined the details; watercolor brought them to life. That same spirit reemerged in 2020 as she filled her sketchbooks with colorful scenes, playful birds, and imaginative patchwork patterns that echoed her quilting work.

By August, she had drawn every day for nine months — a remarkable streak of creative devotion. These daily entries formed a visual journal of her life during lockdown: her moods, inspirations, routines, and reflections, captured in miniature narratives.

Patchwork Birds and Inked Joy

Among her newer concepts was a delightful series of “patchwork birds” — charming creatures designed in the style of quilt blocks, often seen carrying baskets, books, or mail. They represent both the weight and whimsy of the year — characters that carry messages and memories.

In October 2020, Jamie gave followers a glimpse into her favorite supplies: fine ink pens, smooth watercolor paper, and richly pigmented paints. Her home studio became a haven for experimentation and rediscovery.

Art as Healing

For Fingal, the act of drawing was more than creative expression — it was a lifeline. In uncertain times, the rhythm of pen to paper provided both structure and joy. Her work is a reminder that even in isolation, art connects us: to ourselves, to our stories, and to the wider world.

Today, Jamie continues to inspire through her vibrant sketches and textile pieces, seamlessly blending mediums in a way that’s uniquely her own. Her visual journals stand as colorful testaments to resilience, creativity, and the quiet power of daily practice.

To explore more of Jamie Fingal’s work, visit the original post: jamie fingal designs.