'Hello Springtime'

In Olde English days, Spring was referred to as Lent. In the 14th century, the season was called “springing time,” referring to plants springing from the ground. By the 15th century, this became “spring-time,” and in the 16th century it was shortened to simply “spring.”

Spring is welcomed and celebrated around the world. In Britain, signs of spring include daffodils blooming, buds appearing on trees, newborn animals, and creatures like hedgehogs emerging from hibernation. In North America, Groundhog Day marks the changing of the seasons. In Japan, people celebrate Hanami, gathering under blooming Sakura trees for picnics.

Japanese Cherry Blossom Tree Sakura - Source Pinterest

The warmer weather and longer days can also cause “spring fever,” as increased sunlight raises serotonin levels, boosting mood and energy. Spring even differs greatly at the poles: the North Pole experiences six months of daylight, while the South Pole experiences six months of darkness.

The Vernal Equinox in the UK will occur on Friday, 20 March 2026, at 14:46 GMT. This date marks the beginning of Astronomical Spring. Meteorological Spring began on 1 March and lasts for 3 months. Finally, there is the Phenological Spring, which is based on the behaviour of plants and animals' response to the weather and climate.

Bumblebee waking up from hibernation in springtime, gathering nectar and pollen from blossoms - Image sourced from Earth

Art Inspiration for this week;

🎨 First Bloom (Close-Up). Paint a flower pushing up through the soil. Show the contrast between dark earth and soft petals. Choose one flower (tulip or daffodil). Use bright greens for the stem. Try dabbing petals with fingers or sponges.

🎨 Rain to Sun. Spring weather changes quickly. Divide your paper in half. Use blues and greys for rain on one side and yellows or oranges for sunshine on the other. Blend the colours in the middle to create a rainbow.

🎨 The Waking Forest (Abstract). Show the feeling of nature waking up. Use swirls, lines, and dots to represent growth and movement. Fill the page with fresh spring colours like mint green, lavender, and sky blue.

🎨 Long Spring Shadows. Draw simple trees, plants, or a fence. Focus on the long shadows stretching across the ground. Use warm colours for the sky and cool colours, like purple or blue, for the shadows.

🎨 Spring Traditions and Myths. Create an artwork inspired by a spring celebration, myth, or nature spirit. Use symbols, animals, flowers, or patterns to tell the story.

It will be a great evening of creativity! See you all soon 🙂 Wednesday evening, 7:30 pm UK time. Please join us on link-tree select All4Art https://linktr.ee/all4inclusion