Purple Crocus

I just HAD to paint these little survivors!  They used to be the first blooms of spring, but now bloom after the daffodils here.  When temps vary from 68 degrees to 14 in a single day, then drop to 10 degree the next, nearly every spring bloom froze and collapsed, then we hit 93 degrees before the week was out. Pears, forsythia, and daffodils are gone before they hardly started, but a few things are emerging from the lost.  Such is the nature of spring, and I hope many late boomers will pop up still.  Painting number 4829 in 4829 days. 

Purple Crocus

 

These sweet purple crocus are a little late this year, but they are certainly worth the wait. An early cold snap seemed to have delayed what are sometimes the very first blooms on the garden.  They open their petals wide to the sun, and close them as the sun begins to set.  On this day of anxious waiting, a little paint time in the garden is the best art therapy.  Looking forward to perfect outcomes and better days, this painting is number 5139 in 5139 days. 

First Crocus of Spring

purchase here

I had other painting ideas for today, but when I saw these bright and shining crocus in the bed, I had to paint them!  This winter has lasted forever, and a little spring cheer is just what I needed after a grueling morning at the gym.  Art therapy comes is all sizes!  Painting number 2268 in 2268 days.

First Crocus ATC

Finally, a sunny day and my first crocus of the season are blooming!  Certainly, spring is around the corner!  With only a tiny painting window available in this VERY busy day, I choose to paint small - and to use my ink and watercolor!  I am quick with the pen, and the pocket sized case of watercolor pans go on in a snap with just one water brushpen.  I was having a little trouble with these water brushpens gumming up (from the sizing on these fabulous papers).  I took them apart, soaked them in clean water for an hour, swished them around, and they are good as new.  SO, in the future I will just do this periodically to keep them working. Nothing is worse than being out in the field with a pen that won't work - and no water in sight!  This sweet little sign of spring is painting number 1880 in 1880 days.

First White Crocus

First White Crocus
Oil on unstretched canvas, 6x4
auction - bid here

This week has almost been a journal of my garden!  With a new flower popping into bloom nearly every day - I have been drawn to capturing their opening buds in oils!  These white crocus were planted decades ago, and each year they spring forth without fail.  I intended to lay these in with my brush, and then do most of the work with the palette knife. With the painting well under way, I continued with the brush - not wanting to abandon the soft strokes.  I then went to the knife for the edge work and that last pop of highlight.  Now, it is time for a break!  Painting number 811 in 811 days :)

Palette Knife Crocus

Palette Knife Crocus
Oil on panel, 7x5
original sold - print available

Surprise!  Palette knife craziness going on!  Sometimes, a wild and crazy notion just takes hold under my skin - and I have to bust out and let it have it's way!  That is exactly what is happening this afternoon!  While waiting for my husband to bring home some more mulch - I am using this time wisely to express my new blooms with my favorite palette knife.  As with every time I start experimenting, the first strokes are awkward and unnatural.  But, each stroke becomes easier, and the way to manipulate the knife more clear.  This one is painted on a smooth surface, but I am headed now for the canvas!  Painting number 806 in 806 days :)

First Blooms of March

First Blooms of March
Oil on panel, 7x5
auction - bid here

Another beautiful, warm day means another day of yard work! You know the old saying, "make hay while the sun shines"!  These purple crocus greeted me with their bright and shining faces - the very first blooms of the season!  Spring must surely be here - and with weather in the 70's, who can argue but the calendar?  My grandma planted this old fashioned variety decades ago, and each year her flowers remind me of her warm and gentle spirit.  She was always so optimistic - with a smile and a hug each time I saw her.  I don't think we ever stop missing those we love.  This painting is number 802 in 802 days.

Spring Crocus

Spring Crocus
Oil on panel, 6x6

Possibly, the first blooms of spring, these purple crocus are popping up thickly in my flower beds!  Among them are yellow and white crocus, but the purple are always the earliest to bloom.  What a gorgeous day - it is nearly 70, and the windows are open to let all of the fresh spring air into the house!  Using a pumpkin tinted panel, I sketched out my crocus composition with a pastel stick.  First painting the darks, followed by the lights, I then painted on the most purple of petals - pulling out my dioxazine purple for these babies!  There are a few shades that I only pull out when painting certain flowers - and this is one of them.  It is simply the perfect hue for this flower!  Well, now it is time for some yard work - you know, the whole "making hay while the sun shines" motto!  Painting number 434 in as many days.  What will I paint tomorrow?