Wildflower meadows are so very special. There is that special moment when you come out of the woods into the sunlight or walk up a lane, and there it is in front of you: the jostling flowers, the scent, the underlying hum of insects; it’s like a secret that only is shared with you. Alice Walker once said, “In nature, nothing is perfect, and everything is perfect,” which precisely sums up wildflower meadows—each individual flower is perfect, both in its simplicity and in its function, but in a meadow, each flower joins with thousands of others to become a riotous, chaotic display of color.

You are invited to join us on a fun and soothing experience painting beautiful wildflowers in watercolors. This is a beginner-friendly class, so if you are new to this medium or want to try watercolor painting for the first time, please join us. All levels are welcome. Watercolor is a beautiful yet unpredictable medium, and its beauty lies in its spontaneity. Nancy will cover all the basics needed to get started with watercolors and guide you on capturing your version of a wildflower meadow.

What You Can Expect

First Hour: Meadow Bathing Walk, guided by Kathleen
We will begin our morning in Circle with a meditation to awaken our body & senses and begin to tune our senses into the present moment. After we are grounded and having left our “parking lot” mind, we will start our quiet, reflective walk together along a path surrounding the meadow, deliberately being mindful of the earth beneath our feet, the air flowing in and out of our lungs, and the sights, sounds, smells, and even tastes we experience as we walk. During our walk, we will play with different sensory invitations crafted to help you slow down and be fully present in the natural world.

Second Hour: Earthmind Journaling |Art in the Meadow, guided by Nancy

Now in our mindful state with our senses awakened, we will create a piece of self-expressive art to remind you of this moment in time: with friends, enjoying the beauty of a wildflower meadow. You will take your art supplies and find a quiet “sit spot” to work on your painting and further connect with our more-than-human world.

Nancy will demonstrate and offer suggestions for getting into a creative and playful mind space to make your painting. We will play with various techniques and collaborate with nature, paint, and self, to capture on paper a special moment in time. Our work may be abstract or more representational. Whatever spirit moves you to do. As we observe and paint, we take notes on the thoughts passing through the mind like soft clouds. Nancy will guide and offer one-on-one assistance throughout the process. This offering is appropriate for all skill levels, from those fearful of drawing to those with years of experience. Individual styles are encouraged and celebrated.

Last Half Hour

We will gather in Circle and share our paintings and experiences (only if you would like) while enjoying herbal tea, closing with a gratitude meditation.

Things to Make Your Journey Comfortable

• We will gather in Circle and share our paintings and experiences (only if you would like) while enjoying a herbal tea

• Please dress in warm clothes-layers are important as we will be alternating between moving and sitting,

• Bring a trail seat, portable chair, and/or blankets, cushions, and/or whatever will make you comfortable

• Sunscreen to protect your skin

• Hat with a brim to shade your eyes

• Water

• Paper, pencils, and paint will be provided, but if you have a favorite sketchbook or journal and paints and drawing tools you love, feel free to use them. We have a beautiful Nature Journaling Sketchbook (57 sheets for pencil, ink, crayons, charcoal, pastel, light wash) available to purchase on our website.

• In the event of inclement weather, we will reschedule the class.

• Cost: $45.00 (includes supplies)

• Limited to 12 participants

• PLEASE arrive at the Pavillion no later than 9:45 AM

PARKING: Parking for the wildflower meadow is located at the meadow on Bread and Milk Road

About our Guides

Nancy DeNicolo is a fun, engaging, approachable, and knowledgeable instructor who has over 40 years of work experience and continuing education in the art of teaching and the creative arts for self-expression and healing.

Kathleen Lowe, a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide in the practice of Shinrin-Yoku, started Friends of the Forest as a way to offer meaningful, direct experiences in nature that inspire individuals to develop a connection with wildlife and the environment around us. Her training includes special knowledge in guiding people of all ages in mindful outdoor experiences. She is a level one Certified Mindful Outdoor Guide through the Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership program.