Forsythia

 Forsythia

9x6, soft pastel

 I had a great time painting these Forsythia branches. I painted outside in a warm spot on the patio away from the springtime breeze. This flowering bush hold a special place in my heart. When I was quite small my mom told me the name of this plant “forsythia”....I thought she said “For Cynthia”...and for a couple years I was thrilled to know that a flower was actually named after me.  Oh, the naive mind of a four year old! 

Duece Violettes

 Duece Violettes

8x6, soft pastel

Another spring flower are the beautiful purple violets. And, it’s another spring flower that we had at our house when I was growing up in Iowa. They bloomed each year under an old oak tree in our backyard. Ah, such good memories. 

 

Lillies of the Valley

 Lillies of the Valley

8x6, soft pastel

A childhood favorite. I always knew when spring had finally arrived once the Lillies of the Valley bloomed at our house. We had a large patch of them on the side of our old Victorian house. I enjoyed making little bouquets of them...their scent was intoxicating.

Twiggy - Flowering Plum

 Twiggy - Flowering Plum

6x8, soft pastel

Continuing with my spring flower theme...there’s nothing like seeing all the flowering trees in the spring. I paint a neighborhood scene almost every year because there are so many flowering plum and crabapple trees around. It’s easy to get a jump on spring by forcing the blooms from a few twigs (as this painting depicts). It’s such a fun thing to do in late winter when you simply can’t wait for spring to begin.

Sunbathing Tulips

 Sunbathing Tulips

6x6, soft pastel

Some of my favorite tulips are these deep purple ones that really pop with color once the sun hits them. I set up several vignettes a couple years ago using them...this photo being one of my favorites. I sure hope they come back up this year! I’m ready for all the colorful spring flowers to arrive. 

Fancy Pants

 Fancy Pants

6x8, soft pastel

While I was painting this one all I could think of was “fancy pants” for a title. It’s such a fancy, frilly type of bloom. So, when it came time to title the painting that’s all I could think of.  So...here ya go!

Bunny Planter with Petunias

 Bun Planter with Petunias

6x6, soft pastel

This little planter sits in front of my house and is made of cement. It can only hold a tiny plant so this year, it’s a petunia.  Such a sweet little guy!