It’s still February (just), and the weather is as unpredictable as always, but there was a moment over the weekend when the sun shone unhindered by clouds, causing many to believe that Spring can not be far away. There is (just) a little colour creeping back into the garden, filling us with hope for the future – until we see the news headlines. It is all to easy to lose heart at what may come, but we must cling to the hope that, like the weather, the cold will pass, the days will become longer, and we will all be able to feel the warmth on our backs again, which is the right of us all.

Whether you send or receive a single stem or a dozen, it’s the thought that counts, and if you are also able to use them as a sketching opportunity as well as a welcome gesture to be admired over the days to come, then that has to be a pleasure doubled.

More flowers open today which was good, but I found it the most difficult to paint as the sun was playing ‘Now you see me, now you don’t’ all the time. I tried to keep things as consistent as I could throughout , but it wasn’t easy.

Although they are not yet in the garden, someone gave us these daffodil buds still in their tight little supermarket bundle, longing for a drink of water. Add a glass and an ‘easy peeler’, and away we go.

Still just enough fruit left for a final painting before it disappears, and the lively colours are certainly a contrast to outdoors. Not that I really mind this time of year as much as many people seem to – it’s a matter of priorities. I find it an excellent moment to sort out plans for the year ahead (if one hasn’t already), load up the shelves with watercolour paper, stock up on pigments and sketchbooks so one doesn’t have to worry about such things later when the sun is shining, and nothing must distract one from getting out there and painting!

Not that it ever quite works out like that of course. But one thing I am sure of, is having such colourful objects to hand to play with at this time of year does wonders for one’s wellbeing, which has assumed such importance recently. It always has been true. It’s just that people have been too busy to give it much thought.