Friday, February 27, 2009

Spring in my backyard

Georgia Sweet Peas, 12 x 16

This Sweet Pea vine comes from some pea pods I brought back from a visit with my daughter in Atlanta (it's like having a little piece of her here with me!) They bloomed all last summer and now they have come back to life in their sunny protected spot. Unlike the bare trees of yesterday, they are lush with green and even have some tiny purple flowers coming out. Maybe it's because it's so warm here... I got hot standing in the shade today!

11 comments:

Catherine Jeffrey said...

Sometimes when I click on your blog and I see the picture, it almost takes my breath away, they are so wonderful. This one really warms the soul..the gentle colors of the plant against the soft wall. I wonder if it is the plein air approach that keeps them so "fresh" looking. Sometimes my work gets that contrived rigid studio look. I guess I must try to work outside, but it seems so difficult, daunting, and scary! This painting is truly a masterpiece.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Laurel,

It was warm here briefly, but nothing like your warm and then the temperature plunged in a few hours down to 20 below Celsius.

Brrrr. Sure do love the way you paint, and this one's a beauty with a hopeful message. This will happen in Canada too -- in August!

XOXOXBarbara

Nancy B. Hartley said...

Laurel, I love the Georgia Sweet Peas. Really fresh and spring like! The purple and green are beautiful together!

Pam Holnback said...

There is nothing green right now here in Colorado. So, seeing this is great. Loved your comment about the bare trees. I also struggle with that. And all the trees are bare here until April. I need to get out there and push myself.

julie davis said...

This one looks like it was fun to paint! I am always amazed by what you do with nature--your "handwriting" is among my true favorites. Love that the sweet peas were from your daughter.

Kelley Carey MacDonald said...

I love your paintings, your paint application, and your 'view', Laurel. But I HATE hearing how 'hot' it is there - we've just gotten a foot of snow dumped on us! :) Seriously? Go ahead, tell me about the things growing in your garden, it gives me hope..

Leslie Saeta said...

Wow. I am so gald I found your blog. Beautiful paintings. And I also see you are an amazing garderer ... very impressive!

michael clark fine art said...

Great painting and a great day to be out. I went out on Saturday and it was not as nice. Had to hold on to the easel the whole time in the wind. You can tell though that spring is just around the corner.

Karen said...

Hi Laurel, This (and of course your other works) is so lovely, and yet powerful, too. I've visited your blog for a long time, and I've always admired your work, especially how you're always able to simplify down to the big shapes. That, and your edges!!
I must admit some envy to your weather down there! Chicago is not so kind (and bare trees are always still a challenge). :)

Jala Pfaff said...

Tremendous sense of volume!!!!

Dar Presto said...

Jala said just what I was thinking. I appreciate the fullness of the plant pushing forward.