butterflies and bracken at Birtley

Four lovely ladies came along yesterday for a sunny art day on the beautiful Birtley Estate. The sun shone, and the woods were full of butterflies. Fiona told me that the small brown ones we saw everywhere are called 'gatekeepers' because you find them around field gates. there must be an interesting origin to that name- maybe they congregated there because the cattle trod the mud down and water collected? One of the nice things about meeting new people is the fascinating things you learn.

They all took to monoprinting straight away and were soon trying out their own ideas. the day went so fast that I didn't have time to take many photos.

Fiona creating a misty landscape print.

Clare made some stunning prints using bracken, which she is going to frame for her summerhouse.

We all enjoyed a very inspiring day!