Duke's Tulips

Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

The annual flower display at Sara Duke Gardens is in full splendor -- tulips in all colors are surrounded by beautiful accent plants in cool and warm tones.

These tulips were inspired by one of their orange and yellow flower beds.  Between the fine spring weather, the glorious flower displays, and the greening of the fields and woodlands - spring has finally settled in!                                

Dogwood

Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

The dogwoods are performing their annual ballet throughout the woodlands ... LOVE the joyous celebration of white and pink among the spring greens!

I began this painting plein air and finished in the studio.

HAPPY EASTER

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!

Spring Blossoms - Apple Trees in Bloom - Splash and Splatter

Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

Spring's floral display continues.  My apple trees are in glorious bloom and my property is filled with white and pink clouds!

Dandelions

Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

Spring is here -- lots of rain, temperature fluctuations--warm, cool, hot--and of course, the yellows, pinks and purples that seem to mark the season.Throughout my property,  bright yellow globes greet me.

Yep, the dandelion has roared its way into spring.

Despite the persistence of these plants and how they often crowd out other flora, I have to marvel at their usefulness - as a vegetable, coffee substitute, wine, vitamins -- as well as an early food source  for bees and other pollinating insects.  Dandelions provide cover and color to those areas of my property that have not yet established more tender flowers and they help stabilize the soil.  And their golden glow mirrors the sunshine adding cheer to the day ...

My only  wish is that they were far more 'prudent' in their exuberant proliferation ....!!

Spring!

Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

Spring has finally arrived with warmest temperatures yet ... yesterday we reach 85F!  Whew!  From Arctic blast to the Sahara in a week!                

I've only seen the foliage for spring daisies ... which means these cheerful flowers won't be here for a number of weeks. 

Still, I wanted to celebrate the return of warm weather, getting out in the garden, the scent of Winter Daphne throughout my property, and the magic of sunshine ....

Happy Week!