Wildflower Project: Part II

You would think that I got enough yard work at home. But even out and about I am in the meadows picking a wildflower bouquet. Timely bouquet. Everyone should have a good father to look up to...no matter how tall you are or where he is. Happy Father's Day.

The Art of Giving

Hope you enjoyed the long holiday weekend. An anonymous kind soul put a flag in the yard of every house, lining our entire street with red, white, and blue. Very impressive and quite moving. Did you know that on May 30, 1958, unidentified American service members killed in World War II and the Korean War were interred in the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery?

If you've seen one of my Memorial Day Bouquets, you've seen them all. So, I did not take any photos of them for you this year. Truth be told, I was running behind schedule and did not have the time to find the camera. Rushing around and working under pressure resulted in three floral sprays with their own unique personalities. With all of the rain that we have had so far, I had lots of flowers and foliage to choose from out of the yard. Both the peonies and the rhododendron were simultaneously and still in full bloom. That is not usually the case this time of the year and I have lots of pruning and work ahead of me. We experienced near record breaking 90 degree weather this week. Good thing I stocked up on popsicles and ice cream.

Once again, May seemed to be the kick-off month for art exhibits. It started with the annual "Art All Night" production and ended with the beautiful opening of a show titled "The Art of Giving." Very talented artists who are hearing impaired gifted their art to line the walls of a nursing home. The works have become part of a fixed exhibit for the residents. I think it is now my favorite collection.

"The most exciting happiness is the happiness generated by forces beyond your control." - Ogden Nash (1902-1971).

2010. Remembering.

Phalaenopsis

Pronounced fayl-eh-NOP-siss. I pronounce it "Moth Orchid" and this species is called Leopard Prince. Well, maybe the category is not referred to as a species. That may be just an animal thing. Guess I am not as much an expert plant person as I thought!

Some have a real talent for finding the perfect gift. I love the sentiments behind this one. When I received it, I immediately blurted out that "I would have something to paint" and of course that meant that I would have to post it as well. I started hunting for that tube of paint color that I knew would be perfect. This involved running up and down the steps several times and dumping out a variety of containers many times before the paint was finally located. Who stashes paints in every room of their house and office?

That being said, I have been a little anxious about trying to capture this lovely orchid in watercolors. Haven't done it yet. But I will. The close up pic of the flower makes me ponder how I will ever be able to capture the essence of this beautiful miracle. I have also been misting it daily and watching it bloom. We haven't engaged in any conversation yet. I don't think anyone talks to their plants these days anymore. It's all just text, blog, text, blog, e-mail etc. LOL

In the meantime, the watercolor here is supposed to be of lilies. It was fun to do and I like the colors. It seems to have a folksy appeal to it I think. If it brightens your day, my work here is done.

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...It's learning how to dance in the rain!"

Miniature World

Sometimes I spend way too much time on a painting for a card. I like doing flowers and I usually start out trying to replicate a real life bouquet. If I don’t like how it is turning out (which is virtually always), I start doing my own thing. Not sure how permissible that is but I am drawn into the tiny details of my own 5” x 7” miniature world. And it is that escapism which feels so good. When I look at the clock I am shocked to see how quickly the hour has flown by. I spend my time making and correcting very colorful mistakes and watch how things emerge.

The idea of someone looking at the card and saying, “oh, how pretty”, and then only to inevitably tear it up is unbearable for me. So, I make myself feel better by simply putting a label on these specifically selected cards that reads “Frameable Art Hand Painted for You by Tamara”. Whatever happens after that, well, I just don’t want to know. LOL.

"There is nothing like a Dream to create the Future."
-Victor Hugo

Unspoken

A Spring Floral Arrangement in honor of those who served us so bravely. Created with Love by Tammi's Florist.

Thank You For Being a Part of My Life

Another Bouquet by Tamara

A photographer friend of mine was having surgery this summer. She sent me a pic of a lovely bouquet of flowers that she had received and inquired "could I paint these?" Not sure if she meant whether I thought I was skilled enough to paint them or if she was simply asking if I would paint them. Nonetheless, I ran with the idea, trying to rise to the challenge either way. I also thought that a painting of the bouquet would make the perfect get well gift.

I am very happy to report that my friend has since recovered from her surgery; had some very minor complications but is doing just fine now. However, my bad, because 2 months later I'm still "working" on the "hope you feel better soon" project. I did eventually finish the flowers and hope that she can recognize them. She also has the challenge that everyone faces at least once in their lifetime of finding a frame that works.

Confession is good for the soul and I have to say here that I feel like I cheated a little for adding some teeny tiny flowers to fill in a few small gaps and for moving a couple of flowers around. I think we euphemistically call that artistic license. I did try to stay true to the original colors of the bouquet which wasn't at all easy for me. They are quite different from the flowers that I usually paint, the ones that apparently grow only in my imagination.