Thursday, October 18, 2012

My Dogwood

My Dogwood by linfrye
My Dogwood, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140 CP

I've begun to see a FEW trees in red glory this autumn, but for the most part, I think the ribbon for foliage color - at least in piedmont NC - has to go to the dogwoods. Despite several years of drought, unseasonably warm summers and short winters, the 'red ribbon' belongs to those persistent and delicate trees that, despite the quickly falling leaves from their taller neighbors, are still a brightly shining scarlet. Second runner-up this year are the sumacs - their bright reds competing neck-and-neck with the dogwoods.

But when the sun's just right, the hickories can look almost golden. Without that magical light enhancement, however, the hickories are a far dull yellow. Sycamore and tulips have lost most of their leaves, and the late-color-changing oaks are a dull brown rather than a vibrant sepia. In my neck of the woods, this isn't a 'fall showing' to write home about.

I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that there still might be a bit more color change the first few weeks of November. I remember some years when our color peak came with Thanksgiving. We'll see.

Meanwhile, I'm pinning ribbons on the dogwoods!

4 comments:

Joan Tavolott said...

Gorgeous colors in this!!! Nicely done, Lin!

Lorraine said...

Oh how I love your multi-colored leaf paintings with their blues and vibrant colors and the beautiful backgrounds. I especially love the way you've left bits of white in this one -- a bit different from your last and always a nice surprise to see something new.

I could spend my days looking through your "gallery" and never go to a museum and still be happy for all the joyful art I see!

Big hugs,
Lorraine

Tiff said...

Very pretty.

Jo Castillo said...

I really like this one! Simple but yet very dramitic. ( I found you via Joan T's blog and wetcanvas) I think I visited before but it has been awhile. I'm glad to rediscover your work.