it’s time to awaken and bloom.
creating a spaciousness in your art practice.
We’ve spent a long time coping with darkness. It’s time to emerge from the cocoon, and be warmed by the sun.
Put on a light coat, grab your camera, a satchel, and your notebook and pen. Wander in the woods, on the shore, or in the desert.
Let your feet walk on sacred ground,
Listen to early birds, cold streams, and gentler winds.
Bathe in nature’s healing, then create from it.
Together we can make a creative celebration and share it in an intimate Zoom retreat.
Join us Friday, April 16th from 12 – 5pm EST!
PART 1: WANDER & HARVEST
begin your adventure the day you sign up for the retreat.
Wander in nature.
walk with eyes of curiosity
gather natural materials that spark your imagination
PART 2: Percolate, ponder, create
create your own “spring spells-” creative musings
Draw your treasures.
write, paint, or sew about your spring adventures.
PART 3: gather, connect & create
gather for a live retreat with other artists on zoom.
Learn to draw + write from nature – simply, slowly, and beautifully,
Create your Winter Spells community in a private FB group.
Embracing the imperfections along the way.
Spring Spells is a beautiful opportunity for you to embrace the metaphors of awakening, budding, and growth in Spring. You’ll practice both quiet contemplation in nature – taking in inspiration, and drawing and writing about the burgeoning beauty you encounter. You’ll enjoy the accountability and camraderie on a welcoming group of artists, and an ongoing practice of harvesting inspiration and translating it into your art. There are concrete prompts for contemplative walking, writing, and drawing, but each student will find their unique set of Spring Spells.
I’m Amy, Your Guide
I’m Amy Maricle, an art therapist turned art facilitator who adores helping artists make more meaningful, joy-filled art. We are going to explore, experiment, and play with tuning deeply into nature and the gifts of the Spring season. We will draw, paint, and write about our connection to this season of rest.
Our RETREAT
Friday, April 16th,
12pm – 5pm EST on ZOOM!
- Our gathering happens April 16th, but your Spring Spells experience begins the day you register. You’ll begin by taking nature walks, hunting for natural treasures, and dig into recommended reading.
- You’ll complete homework exercises with semi blind contour drawing and expressive writing.
- Use mindfulness tools to calm the inner critic and make space for present, joyful experimentation.
- Connect with other artists by breaking bread together during our retreat.
- Receive prep homework, materials list, and a full class e-book that includes all lessons.
- Join the private FB group to share your journey along the way.
What you’ll learn:
You’ll walk in the woods, on the shore, or in the mountains. You’ll practice mindful seeing in nature, plus drawing, painting and expressive writing. You’ll learn to take in inspiration in new ways, and mostly, you’ll learn your way of slowing down and allowing nature to seep into your pores, to feed you, and nurture you. You’ll experience Spring’s Spells. And for anyone who has mobility issues, you can adapt the lessons as needed by staying close to home or seeking Spring images in books and online.
Learn to slow down and walk in nature mindfully
gather nature’s treasures with care
practice contour drawing natural objects
create altars & sacred spaces with natural objects
write from the soul – connecting with the Burgeoning earth
Do I need prior art or painting experience to participate?
No, whether you’ve never painted before, or you are an experienced artist, this day-long retreat is structured to provide you the space to learn to see in new ways, and opportunities to translate those new visions onto your fluid art paintings.