The first morning of June is bright and beautiful and offers the promise of extended warmth and growth. I have been in the garden every morning to tend to the weeds, water the seedlings and feed the birds. I have been watching baby robins bounce around the yard and take time in the bird bath. I have stepped back even as small bunnies manage to eat a whole pansy plant in what seems like seconds. The garden is ever changing, evolving, growing and causing me to pause in wonder. When I finally see a leaf sprout through the ground I start to anticipate its bloom. What a blessing this garden has been and although it is a lot of work, I appreciate each stage of growth and each action it requires of me. I wish I could slow time as each day passes so quickly. I am determined to really pause and observe this beautiful season.
Here in the studio I have been extra reflective and appreciative. The first group of students in The Flights of Fancy Master class have completed their program of study. I watched amazing growth. I felt privileged and honoured to accompany them and watch their skills bloom. As the first course came to a close, I could see that the light bulb had turned on for so many of them. Many are on the verge of finding the skills that have been calling out to them for so long. It was a journey that I could never have imagined or hoped for. Group Two will wrap up late this month and then we have a celebration class for both groups in September. I will be launching Soaring Higher Enrichment Sessions for these students to add some special techniques that we were not able to fit into course. The whole amazing process has caused me to appreciate teaching with fresh eyes. Each student is a blessing and they all have a gift to offer this world. After such an intense season of Mater Classes, I feel surprisingly refreshed and look forward to a very Victorian summer. The Victorian Pen Workshop will be offered in August through The Gentle Penman. This improvers and intermediate level course is where I first began to solidify my Line and Wash techniques along with my love of the Victorian Era.
I wanted to elevate the basics of offhand flourishing through ornamental design. This class has since created several offshoot classes over the years but they all have their foundation in this course. If you love pen drawn florals, trailing vines, spinning acanthus, twisted ribbons and delicate birds, this will be the class for you. We explore a delicate technique for colour as well as some opulent ideas that will enrich your flourishing journey.
This will be my only major online workshop for the summer as I slow down to get ready for IAMPETH as well as prepare for several new courses for late fall and 2024. The Victorian Pen workshop, represented ground breaking growth for me as an artist. I was starting to find my voice and my vision and find a way to articulate my techniques. It contains so much of my heart and soul.
I will be working on new course handouts and posting fresh images on IG and Facebook. I hope you follow the path of the course development as it evolves in the next few weeks. I also wish you all the beauty of this glorious season. Take time to appreciate each stage of growth as you see it. Greet the flowers as you see them. Each one has a different face and personality and offer us so much beauty along our paths. Cheering you all on in your own personal growth. Please keep in touch. Sending hugs this beautiful June Morning. May you Flourish!
