Eventually, our desire for spring will match the reality outside. But not quite yet. I welcome the incremental increase in daylight and the occasional temperature over 40F, but I don’t let a warm day or two fool me. While I await spears of skunk cabbage to emerge from the snowpack, I’m also gearing up for my upcoming online class, Warblers in Watercolor. The class is intended to be a pre‑season warmup for the arrival of these delightful and elusive songbirds come May.

Like spring itself, warblers arrive on their own terms. They drop from the sky during migration and sing their hearts out, constantly flitting among the trees. Watching them feels like a game of hide and seek—they call to you and then disappear as soon as you think you know where to look. But when you do get a glimpse, you’re rewarded with a tiny colorful prize. 

Tips and Techniques– The detailed markings on many warbler species make identifying them difficult and painting them challenging. During my class, I’ll share tips on what to look for and how to use layers of watercolor to paint them. Find out more at Winslow Art Center; the class begins on Thursday 3/12.