A couple of weeks ago, I went out on my deck to enjoy some fresh air and I noticed our two cherry trees were in bloom. I hadn’t noticed it earlier, because they are each growing behind a much larger maple tree that hangs over them. I immediately went out to the back yard with a pair of garden shears and trimmed off a few blooms.
I was tempted to cut some bigger branches and maybe I’ll do that next year, but I wanted to leave as many on the tree, so I can have more cherries.
I put the little cuttings in cups of water around the house to enjoy for a couple of days.
And, once I saw them in the studio, I knew I had to paint them!
So, I took some time to do that, too. I am trying to use up canvases and boards in my stash before buying more of the kind I like the best, so I painted this one on gesso board. It’s a different surface for me, so this painting has a different look than my others. It was a fun exercise, though.
One thing I’ve noticed about painting is it helps me pay attention to the world and be in the present moment more. I’m looking for beauty in the things around me and when I’m painting or sketching them, I’m not thinking about anything else. Even if what I produce that day isn’t good, I have that valuable, focused time in the present to be thankful for.
I hope you’re having a great Memorial Day! Ours is dreary and rainy, but we’re sort of enjoying the relaxing day at home…
15 Responses
I know what you mean! I notice things in a totally different way. When I’m “in the zone” I notice how light and shadows fall and, living in the mountains, I notice the way the light comes across the mountains. Enjoy your day. Rainy days have their benefits for sure!
What happened to the baby bird? Just curious!
We had two baby finches (the other eggs didn’t hatch and disappeared) and they just left the nest a couple of days ago.
Funny that you should mention about the cherry blossoms. I was hanging laundry from
my deck and I notice that the Japanese whatever tree in front of me was in tight buds.
I said to myself I should cut some……….then promptly forgot and went on about my
business. Now I WILL go out and clip some. I have a little blue and white vessel where
they will take up residence.
We also have horseradish growing. I dug it up years ago and my husband planted it in
our garden. It hasn’t taken over but he thinks it has……….. Anyway the horseradish had
the prettiest blossoms that would remind you of babies breath plants.
What an interesting combination of disciplines! Could there be a book about mindfulness-creativity in your future? If there is, your personal experiences and empathy for others would combine to produce an outstanding guide.
Ooooh, I love that!
Are the cherry trees really edible cherries or are they ornamental? I just didn’t want you to be disappointed with your tree if they are not edible. mL
I absolutely love that painting! Beautiful!
That is one of my favorite paintings of yours! It’s simply beautiful.
Wow – you guys are way behind us as far as what is blooming. I love the cherry blossoms – I was in Florida when ours bloomed this year. Couldn’t even believe I missed it! So I appreciate your post very much, Marian!
You paint beautifully – but that peaceful spirit within you to create is the most beautiful. Keep up the zen – it does a body good.
All that you write about painting on the gesso board, about painting causing one to observe with more prescience, it all resonates with me!
I recently textured my board by mixing a little plaster into my gesso and applying it into a mason board then texturing it by combing vertically and crossways. Fun.
Your painting outcome is excellent with the tea cup and blossoms
If they are edible cherries, they make wonderful cherry pie. Beautiful painting.!
Are you going to add that to your art auctions or make a print? I love cherry blossoms and blue and white china and would love to get one!
I an artist and I would like to tell you that your art is getting better — Keep up the good work.
Thank you very much!