Newsletter

DEAR READERS:

I began thinking about this newsletter yesterday morning while marvelling at the morning’s marmalade sky which was soon followed by the comforting sound of rain falling on the roof and skylights of our family room. It was a truly wonder filled morning.

The weather this week past has been a sun filled delight and such a well deserved treat for the kids and teachers on March Break. The weather has been working its magic on our garden too. As I walked through our garden surrounded by snowdrops the air was filled with birdsong and sunlight and I felt quite giddy. Daffodils poked up here and there (more about daffodils later) and in my head I made lists of plants and other supplies to be purchased later. Skunks and raccoons are reappearing in the neighbourhood and pairs of squirrels and chipmunks play catch me catch me. The pair of cardinals exhibit mating behaviors, gallantly watching each other’s backs at the feeder and feeding each other too. Our houseplants, which until recently had looked very sad, are now thriving in response to the fabulous Spring light.

So, the Ides of March bring to mind the Romans, which reminds me of something I read recently. Daffodils, my Dad’s favourite flower, were introduced to the U.K. from the Iberian Peninsula. They used to plant them in memory of those who had fallen. 

The Ides of March also recall a skit by Wayne and Shuster, called Rinse the Blood Off My Toga. Do any of you remember, “ I told him Julie don’t go! Julie don’t go!”

Keeping with the Nature theme for a bit longer, did any of you watch the lunar eclipse? Brian and I stayed up to watch and were not disappointed. Rather than attempting to take phone photos we just silently watched as it happened. You can certainly understand how eclipses, both lunar and solar, were a source of mythology throughout the world’s history. There is something very primal and moving about them. The red moon is a memory I will hold on to for some time.

STUDIO NOTES:

Working and playing in my studio has been my salvation during these difficult and occasionally frightening times.

I have been preparing materials for the Westland Gallery workshops. 

I continue to play with painting watercolours on gessoed and watercolour grounded panels. Some of these will be for sale at the Brush and Palette Show.

I am working on a watercolour painting of a deer at rest (Thank you, Peggy).

EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS:

I am preparing for a watercolour painting demonstration I will be giving at Paint Ontario on May 14th from Noon to 4.

Last, but certainly not least, I am getting things ready from The London Artists’ Studio Tour. Brochures will be available at Museum London, both Tourism London locations, and numerous other spots around the city. For more information go to http//www.londonstudiotour.ca

     

Brush and Palette Club Show

Lambeth Art Association Show

Ontario Society of Artists, Western Hub, St Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre

 Feb 22 to April 5, Closing Reception April 5, 1pm to 3pm

Thank you for taking the time to read this. As always I look forward to hearing from you. Take care and enjoy the Spring wonders.

Gratefully Yours,

Sue