Wednesday, June 19, 2013

'All Things Southern' Feature: "Gift from the Garden"

"Gift from the Garden"
18"x18"
Oil on Canvas
 
One of the things I cherish most about the South is the connection to the land.  We may not all be farmers now, but we're probably not too many generations removed, and more than likely grow something, somewhere!  It may even be something that originated in an ancestor's yard, like the roses my father started from his grandmother's garden.  Gardens abound and sharing the bounty is also a big part of the lifestyle in the South.  It may be a cutting or some seeds, but usually comes in the form of an armful of flowers or tomatoes!
 
I remember being with my grandmother in her garden, carefully choosing what flowers we'd take to the appointment with the hairdresser.  We tenderly wrapped the stems of  daylilies and hydrangeas in wet paper towels and aluminum foil to take as a gift.  Camellia blooms, paperwhites and daffodils were the springtime gift my other grandmother brought when she visited us.  Patients bring their doctors roses and customers bring tomatoes to the bank. 
 
This probably isn't confined to the South,
but I can attest that this is part of the spirit that resides here....
a place where you know your neighbors and you want to share beauty and abundance with them!
So glad it's my home!
 
If you are interested in purchasing this painting, please click on this link to take you to my website:

4 comments:

mary maxam said...

Beautiful color harmony in both the mixes and close values. Love this!

Barbara said...

Thanks, Mary! I was trying to subdue the violets a bit without making them muddy. Hope it worked!

Claudia Hammer a Painting a day said...

You said you were going to paint hydrangeas and you did!! And what a beautiful job you did too! Love the composition and color.

Barbara said...

Thanks, Claudia!