British Summertime at Longmeadow.

British Summer Time was heralded in this week with some very cold weather but the promise of Springtime is already here. The early clematis are in full bloom and the wisteria is covered in buds. This is my favourite time of year; when the sun shines there is no better place to be than in my garden. Winston Churchill's famous quote is so true for me: "A day away from Chartwell is a day wasted." We have sheep in the meadow and one gave birth to 3 lambs yesterday before our very eyes. We helped 2 of the lambs find their Mum, all are healthy and back at the farm in the warm now.

My Pot People series of acrylic paintings is now complete and will be on show and for sale at my open studio event in June, I am just in the process of thinking up some titles. I usually opt for music lyrics or poetry but this group has foiled me. There are small blocks and larger paintings framed in St Ives frames from Trescoll Studio in a variety of soft pastel colours. They are perfect for a kitchen or dining room setting in colours that will compliment most decor styles. I am also working on a large version called "It's Party Time." if you are looking for a statement piece. See the home home page of my website for a few examples of the work.

I have now completed the course "The Way of Wabi Sabi Collage" with Donna Watson. I hoped it would help me develop my composition skills and give me a strategy to make art that is meaningful to me. It did. I have returned to my family history. I began researching my ancestors over 25 years ago when I was set a project at Art School based on the River Thames. I discovered that my greatgrandfather was a wherryman who rowed wealthy clients across the river from Surbiton to Hampton Court. Back then there were no online records, I carried out research at Kingston Museum and made A Family Cupboard for my final show. I represented each of my ancestors in a small jar and assembled a 3D family tree including family treasures and historical references. Originally I went back to my great grandparents and their siblings but after research I have now discovered 6 generations and even further. This has enabled me to update my cupboard and create collages on specific ancestors. This work has been submitted to Donna's Online Exhibition called "Renewal: Unfolding Light" on the www.taketwoart.com portal and will be published on the 23rd April. The cupboard, collages, books and historical artefacts will all be on display at my open studio from 5th-21st June.

Talking of Art in June, Longmeadow Studio will be open throughout the event Thursday- Sunday 11am -4pm. This year there is a free App to guide you online. If you prefer a paper guide they will be available at local venues in May. Mary McCarten is bringing her glass again and this year Samantha Nixon is joining us. Samantha makes wheelthrown functional stoneware, you can find her on instagram @samanthajane_ceramics. I am working with Sam at the moment on some experimental ceramic books. If they are successful these too will be on display at the open studio event. We will be offering refreshments again in aid of Hospice in the Weald and I look forward to seeing you. If you can't make the opening dates and times you can always message me to arrange a private view. I will post further details in my May newsletter.

I am still very involved as a guide with Sally-Anne Ashley's membership group The ArtHouse and have been planning a Book Making Session with another member Sonja, as part of the monthly member led sessions. I am in the 24/7 zoom cafe almost daily where I meet likeminded artists. We discuss all manner of topics and then settle down to quietly working, it is a great place to nurture your creativity. If you think you might be interested Sally-Anne would love to hear from you via her website at www.sally-anneashley.com

I hope you can find the time to enjoy the longer days and the sunshine, it is such an optimistic time of year. Creativity can be the healer of most ailments, let us all enjoy our creativity in whatever way we can.

Best wishes JaneS.