You don’t necessarily need a Kindle or ereader to enjoy this book, anyone can download some software to their PC to allow them to read this book also.

All of the inhabitants of the pond live (and die) as they would in real life, and most of them are known by their scientific names: Daphnia, Dugesia Lugubris, Cristatellla, Victorella and Volvox, for example. And Owen’s first underwater friend (Sedilla, the water flea) teaches him – and the readers of the book – a lot about what goes on in the world around us, without most of us being aware of it.

Here is a very brief extract from the book, if you want to read more there is a sneak peak option on Amazon but you’ll really have to buy a copy…

“The Algae are the most important part of our pond,” explained Sedilla. “They cover nearly the whole surface and give us food and oxygen to breathe. And all by using the light from the Sun. The process is called photosynthesis.”

“Whatever does that mean?” asked Owen, feeling even smaller.

“Really, your ignorance astounds me,” said Sedilla. “Have you no knowledge
of Greek?”

“No”, said Owen, his eyes widening. These Pond-creatures were putting him
to shame. “Please explain”.

“It’s a very simple Greek word. Photo means light, and synthesis means
putting-together. That wasn’t too difficult now, was it?”

It is beautifully illustrated by Michael Sparks and is a must read for all nature loving children and adults.

To buy a copy visit Amazon – it’s a bargain at just £3.90

By Ruth Holroyd, May 2010

The lights dim, darkness fills the room.
As the curtains slowly rise,
shadows of bodies bloom,
like flowers reaching for the skies.

The rustle of silk
as movement takes hold.
Skin pale as milk
The dancers unfold.

An arm stretched wide
Toes pointed, legs taut
Seeming to glide
Muscles and sinews wrought

Sometimes slow with poise,
others lithe and joyful.
Moving in time without noise:
Fragile, beautiful and graceful.

Fluid traces fill the space.
The dancers are as one.
Moving with such grace.
A spider’s web is spun.

Their very souls entwine.
Rhythm and music flow.
Total symmetry, a winding vine;
Flowing, melding, all aglow.

Amazing, graceful statuesque,
like birds in formation together.
One final glorious arabesque;
landing like a feather.

A poem inspired by the art of Jane Waller

She is taking part in Sally Evan’s Artists & Makers Fair on Saturday 24th November in Thame Town Hall, OX9 3DP. Entry is from 10am till 4pm and the price is just £1. A proportion of your entry fee goes towards Helen and Douglas House.

Les Sylphides from Dancers in Movement series

The joy of these drawings is that each comes with the original ticket of the performance at which it was drawn, adding real provenance and interest to each piece.

Jane has also produced some really great quality ‘giclee’ prints which make these drawings more affordable and are a cheaper option to buying an original work.

Jane will also be selling her wonderful book, ‘Below the Green Pond’. There are only a few hard back originals of this book left. It is perfect for children from 9 upwards who have a love of nature, science and how things work. In the book Owen finds himself living in the pond with all the pond creatures, some of whom are very friendly but many who are very dangerous. All the pond animals are called by the real latin names which are brilliantly descriptive.

Other books that will be available include the latest ‘A stitch in time’, another great Christmas present idea for all the knitters out there who might like to try creating items from a collection of old 50′s knitting patterns.

To find out more about this event visit www.sallyevansevents.co.uk

Drawing anything or anyone when they are moving is no mean feat. Jane had tips and suggestions for the group of how to stand back and free up your arm and hands to move with the movement of the dancer.

When you’re used to drawing things that aren’t moving this is an art in itself. Jane is used to drawing dancers in motion.

Add the movement to the fact that when Jane draws her dancer drawings she is in almost total darkness at a live ballet performance.

It was quite amazing to walk around afterwards and admire the varied work produced by everyone in the group.

Noone had drawn exactly the same thing, everyone had their own version, style and depiction of the movements.

A real challenge for the whole group.

Stewart is hoping to run another session in the near future with a ballet dancer because this one was so popular, fun and successful. Details to follow as soon as we know a date.

To find out more about Stewart Clough’s Life Drawing classes visit www.stewartclough.com, email art@stewartclough.com or phone 07901 517396

To read comments from some of the artists who attended this evening read Stewart’s blog ‘Life Drawing with ballerina Aisling Longshaw’.

Jane talking to an interested customer at Waddesdon Plant Centre artists and makers event May 2012

It takes place in one of Waddesdon’s huge greenhouses, which just fills the space with an amazing light.

There is plenty of parking and absolutely loads to see. It opens at 10.30am and closes at 4.30pm each day. Why not visit the majestic Waddesdon Manor at the same time?

Come and visit Jane and all the other artists and stock up on early Christmas presents.

What better gift than a unique, bespoke piece of art created by someone you’ve met.

So if you know anyone who loves ballet or dancing, snap up one of her special ‘dancer in movemment’ drawings.

To find out more about this event visit www.sallyevansevents.co.uk

To find out more about this event visit www.stewartclough.com.

Unfortunately Jane will not be present at this event, but if you would like to buy some of her ballet dancer drawings you can do so here.

Les Sylphides from Dancers in Movement series

The group are now showing for the third year running and as well as Jane you’ll get to see:

• Leilo Edwards – ceramics
• Michael Spark – painting, drawing and illustration
• Pat Cruikshank – photography
• Pauline Holt – hot glass jewellery and fine silver metalwork
• Pauline Purnell – photography
• Robert A Stuart – painting, drawing and illustration
• Susie Upstone – contemporary jewellery

Jane’s series of Dancers in Movement are inspired by ballet dancers at the Royal Ballet and are drawn live, in the dark, at live performances. Each picture comes with the ticket to the particular show where it was created.

Plenty of parking, accessible by 300 bus and train to Little Kimble station. Kimble Stewart Hall, Station Road, ,Little Kimble, HP17 0XN, Tel: 01296 622053

You can find out more about Bucks Open Studios on their website at www.bucksopenstudios.org.uk