Blossom by Blossom, the Spring awakens.....

 The first crocus has appeared, bloomed and faded, but it was appreciated! Their sweet little blooms come and go so quickly, but they were anticipated, and met with such joy when they finally did bloom. I feel that with each little petal that appears, the birds get louder and more cheerful as they sense the brighter days on the horizon. Spring really is my season. It is always so welcome. And it has awakened.

This year, I feel as if the season is especially beautiful as it coincided with my reading of The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. If have not read this classic book, I highly recommend it to be read in the Spring. The theme of the healing powers of nature and nurturing a garden ring through loud and clear. Some of the writing is so thoughtful, that I would put the book down and write out passages in my journal. It felt like such a gift to take time to read this book during the Spring. I will return to it again next year. It really is a timeless story for everyone.

When Mary and Dickon begin to look after the Secret Garden, they determine that they do not want it to be a 'gardener's garden'.  They want the garden to have a freedom to it. They remove the weeds that are choking out the flowers but they let the garden grow freely. This resonated with me and I made connections to my own calligraphic journey. My approach to calligraphic hands is not rigid and austere. If I were forced to adhere to one exemplar or absolute rules, I would never have persisted. I always want my writing to have life and joy. I want there to be to vitality in the hand rather than hard lines of perfect rules. We can be analytical and thoughtful as we learn the strokes that comprise a hand, but we are not machines. Our expression of a hand will have our own nature infused into it. Calligraphic writing is as much about feeling a script as it is understanding the strokes.

I think that is why Flourishing was such a natural addition to my calligraphic work. I could play with the pen and let the flourishes flow freely on the page. To flourish is to bloom, and  blooms represent joy and life. I feel especially thoughtful as  I am about to teach a long term study class in Italian Hand for the EPPC online.  The class will launch later this month and it is the second time I have taught Italian Hand in this long term study format.

This class will be well seasoned with my own interpretations of how we can utilize this gorgeous script and really make it bloom on the page.We study various approaches to the hand as well as how to truly study without trying to replicate the thoughts and methods of the instructor. The course does have a lot of homework but I do my best to make the assignments joyful. I believe there are some spaces in the course if you are up to the challenge of a long term study experience. For those who want to expand your pointed pen skills in flourishing, the April, May and June edition  of the Flourishing Club through Ardington School is open for registration. We will be working on Vintage Flourishes inspired by Daniel T. Ames. I am so excited to share these beautiful expressions of classic offhand flourishing. The Ardington Flourishing Club is a caring community and I love seeing the student work that is created after each session. 

 For those of you who would like to add a small floral illustration to your calligraphic work, Floral Whispers will start on April 11th ( April 12th, Asia) at The Gentle Penman online. My approach to coloured pencils will be shared in this class. The subjects will be softly coloured or white petaled flowers which are great for beginners to coloured pencil work. Even if you are afraid to draw, I have a method to share with you!

I don't think I will ever tire of working with pen, ink, pencils and paint and my love of the natural world seems to permeate all of my designs. My study day in May is filling up and I am looking forward to sharing some new insights I have learned with Floral Rinceau, including playing with some Kate Greenaway influences. Registration is on my website. 

 Although I have been working with Rinceau, Coloured Pencils, Gilding and Italian Hand for years, just like the Spring, it is constantly new and refreshing for me.  Never underestimate the power of the work you do with your hands. The artwork you create, the message you share and what you choose to think about, makes a difference in the world. I hope you spend this wonderfull season surrounded by beautiful things. Appreciate the fragile beauty of a single bloom. Look at the petals and appreciate them as wonders of nature. The pansy that I have on my desk today is unlike any other pansy I have ever seen. I just need to notice it.  

Sending hugs and a message of peace all around. Do what you love dear friends. This is a beautiful world!

Finding Perpetual Joy

 Here we are on March 1st, and winter is still exerting full force here at home. Today, though, my morning was given the gift of the cardinal's cheerful song. What a joyful song bird and how beautiful it is to stop and listen to that sweet song. Glimpses of bright red feathers against the snow have been really scarce this season so it was lovely to savour the moment. As we welcome this March together, I wanted to share some insights into finding joy no matter what is happening around you. I realize that I find incredible satisfaction in study and peaceful pursuits like flourishing, writing, drawing and painting. But I never really understood just how deep the pathway of peace could become. As I work with my hands and concentrate on the emerging art or penmanship, I notice how deeply engrossed I can become in the process.

The outcome of the page is far less important than the process itself. I know that some of you really struggle with wondering if taking classes, study and practice are worthwhile if you are not getting the results on the page that you are hoping for. But I would encourage you to tap into the thought process itself. If possible, turn off the analytical critic and any negative thoughts that come your way try to really be part of the moment that you find yourself in. Totally immerse yourself in the process of the project rather than the final result. There is joy in the journey and I am always so excited to be working, no matter what the outcome is on the page. I sincerely hope this makes sense.

My hope is that you will be able to tap into the joy that can be found in the discovery and learning process rather than an idealized anticipation of a "masterpiece" on the page. I constantly object to the words like master, mastery or masterpiece. Even artists that I admire down through history were constantly discovering and working on their craft rather than putting a final stamp of approval on their skills. If we cultivate this continued inquisitive approach and allow the pages that emerge in front of us to be what they will be, you will find an incredible source of joy. I am continuing to study, read, practice and explore and have found such peace on this journey despite turbulent times around us. I think being able to tap into music, drawing, painting, calligraphy, knitting, embroidery, gardening, walking or anything else you can think of that brings this sense of peace will be so important right now. I have noticed there is an increase in people signing up for classes and requests for me to repeat classes. My March and April classes at Ardington are sold out but there is room in April for Floral Whispers at the Gentle Penman. I will also be giving an encore presentation of my Rinceau Borders in May as I have received some requests.

If you are interested in the encore presentation, I will update my website shortly or you can email me to let me know of your interest. The Floral Whispers class will showcase my approach to very subtle colours in coloured pencil.

 I find that I really like to choose light and subdued subjects to enhance my calligraphic work. I like the gentle building up of layers of colour without having to spend multiple hours on a single subject. So if you find that you can distracted or even bored with building up layers of coloured pencil, you will be relieved to know that this particular process can be completed relatively quickly.

Coloured pencil is portable and highly accessible. There is so much to enjoy and explore. And the added benefit of having flowers on your studio desk can contribute to your sense of joy and well being.
As a florist, I know the incredible power that is hidden in the petals of each flower.

They can absolutely change your point of view and give you such a sense of appreciation for beauty. My  message for March will be to notice what brings you joy as you work and continue to cultivate that process. Put aside any doubts or sense of inadequacy and celebrate your unique qualities that you have to share on the page. Let's continue to cheer each other on and bring beauty to this world. No matter how dark or cold the winter has been, the Spring is clearly ahead. Hugs all around. 

Take Heart!

 Welcome February! This month always gives me a glimmer of hope that Spring will come, no matter how dark the winter has been. Yesterday we had a brief thaw before several more inches of snow came our way. The view from my window this morning is gorgeous.

 February can warm up quickly or bring in blasts of arctic air to remind us that winter is still hanging on. Whatever happens, Spring will follow and I know I will be back in my garden chair and spending more time outdoors. I do need to be patient though. Every season takes its own time and will not be rushed. Despite the cold, I have enjoyed reading this winter. My bookshelves are full and I have a wonderful library here in my studio to explore. I have been reaching for fiction along with my study books. I am reading through The Wind in The Willows and enjoying the gorgeous artwork of Charles Van Sandwyk as well as the charming story.

 I feel like I am along the banks of the river with the characters and taking in all the sights and sounds. The illustrations and the whimsical writing have been transporting me into a a peaceful world as I enjoy the quiet pace of reading. Yesterday they were having a relaxing lunch along the riverbank and finds them in sudden peril in a wintery Wild Woods. It is a wonderful story!  I find myself looking forward to this time every morning as I take notes, and really contemplate about what I am reading. It has become a form of meditation for me and my studio time becomes even more productive as I feel so inspired after reading a few pages each day. This winter season has been enriched through this daily practice.

Studies with Beatrix Potter are part of each day's reading. I have read through her letters, her biography and now I am reading various essays about her work and life and how she has influenced others. All of the Potter readings and studying are to prepare me for a class in April through Ardington School. We have had to offer a second class in April because the first class sold out very quickly. If you are interested in joining the class, the registration info is online here. Martin Beek will give a wonderful lecture about Beatrix Potter and I will share the artistic insights I have gleaned into her work as the practical demonstration.  I am currently reading " So Shall I Tell You a Story which has been edited by Judy Taylor. 

The book contains various essays and contributions about the impact of Beatrix Potter. There have been some fascinating insights into her artwork that I had not yet gleaned from other sources. Although she was an amazing artist, she made mistakes like any other person, could feel rushed and overwhelmed and had definite feelings of burn out along the way. Nature steadied her and gave her a sense of purpose and balance. She was so much more than the creator of beautiful animal characters and I think she would continue to be amazed at the reach and impact of her work. I have had the most wonderful time exploring her drawings, pen and ink techniques and her iconic watercolours.

February's classes will start with  Faded Love Letters at Ardington school. Those who know me, understand my love of Victorian letters and typography. There is so much to explore and each time I work with these letters, I discover something new. Although, I have taught this class before, I have expanded the notes in step with my appreciation of the letters.0

 I have been enjoying indulging in these little studies. The letters have an underlying nature of abundant blooms, birds, decorative devices and incredibly inventive styles. They are perfect little letters for the month of February and will make gorgeous Valentines to send through the mail. Despite a huge hike in postal rates here in Canada, I think our friends and loved ones need a little lift of joy these days. These delicate little letters can really lift the spirits of someone who receives them.

Finally, this month, I will also be teaching an introductory course in Italian Hand for the Colleagues of Calligraphy. I will be introducing the class with a lecture on Friday February 13th, before the weekend workshop on the 14th and 15th. Italian Hand remains my most beloved Script hand as I can really be myself and explore creative variations. I recommend it as the first script hand to study because it is less pressurized than English Roundhand and far less rigid than Spencerian. Registration info is online through the Colleagues of Calligraphy here.

Wherever you are as you read this blog post, I hope you are finding joy and can steal some time away from your routine to pursue something peaceful. Take some time to meander along the pages of a fairy tale or put pen to paper with a beautiful flourish or written note. This world needs beauty, a message of hope and the encouragement of friends. Take heart, cheer each other on and create beauty in your corner of the world. Happy February Dear Friends. 

Chapter One, Page One

 

 Happy 2025 Dear Friends. January has officially begun and I wish all of you a year of peace, joy and health. I am at my studio desk looking out the window to a wet and rainy morning. My squirrels are well fed and there are house finches at the bird feeders.The grass is soggy and patchy and I can still see some red berries on the holly bush. It's a beautiful day. I think of the days, weeks, months and years as pages in a book. We turn the page and a new day begins. Each day is fresh and invites us to greet it. The beginning is always today. I am not good at setting or keeping resolutions. I find that my best days come with a sense of routine and weaving in daily rituals that I cherish. These special routines start way in advance of January if I am to have a good chance of keeping them.  I have found morning and evening routines that work really well for me. They give me a good start to the day and a gentle finish, so I hope to keep them going. Studio hours will be busy, but as long as I can get some quiet in the mornings and evenings, all will be well. 

I will be back teaching online with a very robust schedule starting later this month. I have added my teaching schedule to my website. You can find the pdf of the courses here. It is still not completely finalized so some of the subjects may change. There are lots of new classes coming up as well as some of my favourites that are back by popular request. I always refine the content of each class. Instructors evolve and grow. My vision for each class changes over time as I explore new techniques. It keeps things fresh and alive even though the themes are familiar.  Up first in January is Gossamer and Gold for the Gentle Penman.  You can also find other upcoming course registrations including a new year of Ardington Flourishing Club  here.

There is something so challenging in painting a butterfly and putting it in a delicate setting. I look forward to sharing what I have learned. So much has been gleaned from studies of Medieval Manuscripts. Every time I study the manuscripts I feel as if I am searching for clues the illuminator left along the way. The sensitivity that can be found in the manuscripts is really astounding. The images below were from a search on the Getty Museum website. Each manuscript can be so enticing as you study the techniques.

I often wonder what the illuminators were thinking as they painted the pages. We see glimmers of their process but we have to fill in a lot of the blanks on our own.  It seems that with so much study, my list of questions just continues to grow. But what a blessing to be able to search online and see such a wondrous array of manuscripts to spark inspiration. I am so excited to share this class. Along with a delicate colour palette we will also be designing a modified version of an acanthus setting. This style of setting should be accessible to all skill levels. I hope the students will create a project they will be proud to frame or turn into a card design.

As each new year begins, there is a word or an idea that I like to keep in mind. The word once again for this year is Peace. I hope you find peace in your life, in your community, with your friends and family and with the work of your hands. Sending hugs all around for the New Year ahead. May you Flourish.