I have to say it again...

the Village is Blooming!

When Jessie was three she said, “Oh, look, the leaves have come back from where they go in the winter!” And don’t you think these leaves look like creatures just resting for a moment on their long flight?

Everywhere I look these days I see gorgeous color;

That reminds me of this quote from John Ruskin, the18th century critic, “Color was made for the perpetual comfort and delight of the human heart.” We could all use a little comfort and delight these days.

I’m grateful for all the flowers and today’s lovely weather but I have a bone to pick with Mother Nature. Yes, Wednesday and Thursday have been perfect but what about Saturday? The day of the Abingdon Square Tulip Serenade has a forecast of RAIN?

Ma’am, is there someone on your staff we can consult about scheduling? Now we have to postpone the event until next week and who knows if the sun will shine then?

OY. We fervently hope that the tulips, at the peak of perfection right now, hold up for a week.

Well, what can you do about the weather?

Remember how last week I wrote about taking inspiration from other artists and whether to call it stealing, borrowing, appropriating or whatever? First thing Friday morning I got a message from Austin Kleon, author of “Steal Like an Artist,” that said,

Art comes from Art.

Yes. And there’s the fortune cookie I got years ago that I’ve kept in my heart;

Art is the Answer. And I’m married to Arthur although he doesn’t answer to Art.

So here’s my art for the week…

Almost done with the pine branches and the woodpecker. Now to get at that squirrel and what color for Mary Cassatt’s outfit? And I still don’t know what color to make the trim on the house. I’m still having fun but no idea for the next one as yet.

Here’s my studio mate.