These coneflowers (echinacea) and gladiolus popped up in my front yard, discovered the summer of 2016 after moving into my new home. Fertilization and care caused them to burst with color and height in the summer. I "planted" myself and my easel with canvas in the midst of them. As I spent hours painting, several neighbors wandered by to watch and talk, making for a lovely painting session. Bees and bugs hummed around me as I painted, but they, fortunately, were oblivious to my presence as they frittered from bud to bud. It was like being unseen in the jungle, inspired by the extraordinary beauty and peace of the day.
Enjoying The Summer: Gladiolus & Echinacea, Work In Progress
Original oil, 18 X 24” on RayMar archival board, in progress
Days like today are difficult to match. I hunkered down right in my front yard, amidst the flowers, bees and various critters (including interested neighbors!). Thank goodness for the umbrella! I’ve been waiting for these flowers since spring, and they’ve gained twice their size since last summer. Nothing like a little fertilizer to make for happy plants. I’ll post the final when I’m finished.