'Daphne'

I love this plant.  I am always amazed that in the thick of the dreary days, this little shrub has the beginnings of magic started.  Tiny little pinkish buds have formed, and wait there patiently for a warmer day.  My bushes are so full of buds, I have had to prop them up!  I know the plant is very shallow rooted, so I know that is part of the problem.  Yet for a seemingly needy plant, these shrubs have held up well...through last winter's grueling snow and ice, through torrential downpours that beat up the soil around them and left very little.  I have to dedicate the first floral painting to 'Daphne', which certainly must have the adjective of 'steadfast'.

Yes, when they bloom I'll know that it's time to come out of hibernation, out of the studio, and yes away from the computer!  It will be time to paint outside, to garden, to hike, to bask in the season.

Just as there are fairweather farmers, I am that fairweather painter.  I have always loved to paint 'on location' long before it was termed 'en plenair'.   I work each and every day at something in my studio, but when that daphne does bloom, I will kick up my heels and my brushes and head for the hills!