One that particularly caught my eye a couple of years ago is a book called A victorian flower album, by Henry Terry. The book was originally published is 1978. A father made this keepsake for his children , he says - as pressed flowers fade and childhood memories may be too misty to remember. The flowers are ones that had been found by his children and then captured forever in paint. What an insightful person to think that up and complete such memories. It's such an old book as well and it states in the beginning 'collected and painted in the summer evenings of 1873. As a pleasing recreation' Now that beats anything on social media any day, don't you agree?
I seem to collect books that are made for drawing or watercolour landscapes. People have given them as gifts to nurture my painting. (Nothing beats the smell of a new book - dare you not to sniff the pages next time!) My art books range from beautiful colour photos of Monets' garden to a simple how to sketch book. I think my favourite type are ones of British wild flowers. Those that are found in the meadows and lanes and fields of a British countryside. They can be old reference books with quite dated sketches and drawings or ones with glossy photographs. All have their place in my studio and all have come in handy at one time or another. Many for reference, many for inspiration and many just to flick through and admire their contents.
The different styles of other peoples painting is something that I find interesting. Looking and seeing how other artists draw or paint, what products they use etc is insightful. Some follow a strict way of painting others are more free. It is intriguing to read about how and where artists gain their own inspiration and techniques from.
At this time of year when nature is starting to blossom wildy into action many of us are starting to plant little seedlings. Whether you have a large garden, a small garden, an allotment (lucky you!) or a few plant pots then this is the time to start planning. I'm no gardening expert but like many I really do enjoy sitting in the garden and enjoying the fruits of my husbands labour(!) Sometimes if like me you have dogs you unexpectedly get some extra help - which is not always welcome.
It is an exciting time and one which is best helped along with good weather. Frosts at this time of year are frowned upon by expert gardeners as they can cause a lot of damage. But if Mother Nature is on your side sowing seeds and bulbs and cuttings can be slowly transplanted to outside.
Wild flowers are of course one of my favourite things to plant. Not only because they are probably the most easiest to sow but because the type we have attract bees and butterflies. Included in the packet was poppies, daisies and phlox. The knowledge that those tiny little seeds will grow into a natural wild area for our British wildlife is quite satisfying. I like to encourage all matters of wildlife into our little garden and try to utilise all areas. The wildflower seeds are currently coming up lovely. You have to have a lot of patience being a gardener because I just want them to grow faster now!
There are of course little bugs and beasties that benefit hugely from the plants but also enjoy eating them as well. This can be very down hearting as you've spent many a week tending to the plant for a small snail to come along overnight and have a delicious midnight snack!
I hope you have enjoyed this BLOG. Thank you for reading.
Next time I think it will be about Bluebells.
Nature never goes out of style
Vicky :-)
No comments:
Post a Comment