How Shall We Open the Door To Spring?

 Welcome March and your beautiful promise of Spring. The snow is slow to retreat this year but now and then, between snowfalls, I can see part of the frozen green grass and I know that I will be back in the garden soon. My morning reading ritual has been so inspiring this past month. I am still reading through The Secret Garden. There are parts of this beautiful book that cause me to well up with emotion. There is so much to unpack in this story as I read it and although I know what is going to happen, I never tire of being carried along by the writer. 

Along with the Secret Garden, I am reading through A Nature Poem for Every Night of the Year.  The book is meant for reading before bedtime, but I found myself becoming so inspired that I included it in my morning stack of books. February 28th's reading was especially meaningful to me and begins with the line:."How shall we open the door to Spring that Winter is holding wearily shut?"  

I know each season has its own moments of wonder and joy, but these words really echo the longing I have for the approach of the growing season. I enjoy each moment that I find in the awakening garden. I know the season comes with lots of mud and rain, but I love that sense of expectation, wonder and connection. 

The flourishes on my desk have been bright and cheerful. Full of shimmering gold, painted roses and tiny blossoms. To flourish is to bloom and I am always grateful for the blooms that come from the tip of the pointed pen. 

The Italian Hand Masterclass begins next week and at the time of this blog post it is almost filled to capacity. I will have my hands full with the presentation of this class but I am so excited to share it.  

 The French Ribbon Script class at Ardington school online sold out very quickly. We are keeping a waiting list for it and will likely add a second presentation of these wonderful letters. 

You have time to sign up for April, May and June's Flourishing Club at Ardington! We will be doing some very special bird flourishes in these sessions! The community of flourishing artists in the club have been creating inspiring work. It is always such a joy to see how they interpret each project. Flourish truly helps each artist find their own voice. There is no expectation to copy and the freedom that can be found through exploration of these graceful strokes is remarkable. 

My April class for The Gentle Penman online is  Once Upon a Garden. We will visit the iconic storybook illuminated letter style of Walter Crane. There are some intriguing, almost hidden details to be found in Walter Crane's work that bring your illuminated letters an extra sense of wonder. I am so excited to work with Crane's  palette that is on the cusp of the art nouveau style.  I make fresh discoveries every time I study Crane's work. 

Finally, Save the Date for a very special Study Day in May. I will set aside Saturday May 16th for our next Study Day together. Those on my mailing list will get the details for this session as an email with registration info when it is ready. For now, I will let you know that the Study Day will be a special focus of Glazed Dry Brushing techniques. This is a soft shaping layering technique for painted animals that I have been experimenting with in my Enchanted Meadow designs. Expect rabbits! I hope to have all the registration info ready for my next blog post.

Thank you all for your wonderful support of this blog and my classes. You make it such a joy as I work away at my desk preparing for each class. Although I work solo here in this studio, I  feel a sense of connection to you as I know you are also working away and creating unique works of wonders. Thank you for the blessing of your friendship. Sending love your way dear friends. May you Flourish!