Camellias and Curiosity

Wondering why Camellias and Curiosity? So glad you asked gentle reader. I will share more shortly. But first, in case you’re new, here’s more information. This is a place where, each week, I share my paintings, process, art history, and inspiration. Whether this is your first or millionth visit here, hiya, hello and a warm welcome! I choose a theme to guide my paintings each year.

This year’s theme is Vessels, Views and Vistas. If you need more color in your world, consider subscribing to this weekly blog. When you do, you will also receive a monthly newsletter called “Art In Real Life.” In it, I share news about artwork and art walks. Some I have seen IRL (in real life). Others are from around the world, maybe even near you!? If so, maybe you’ll go see and share what it’s like to see art in real life. Let’s get to this week’s view. OK?

Setting for Camellias and Curiosity

Excited to share that I got to paint this outdoors!! We are so lucky to have several beautiful camellia bushes next to our house. They are blooming like crazy. As I venture on walks and think about painting, I love stumbling on a perfect setting right outside our back door. Here’s a picture of the setup.

First, I have to say I love how my better half has trimmed these shrubs this year. They look like big beautiful sculptures or vases of leaves and pink blooms. The flat sloping top and the taper to the ground, while I’m sure functional, also makes for a wonderful shape to paint.

Curious about Camellias

I confess that I am not much of a gardener. But these beautiful shrubs help me get away with being a low maintenance gardener. They’re evergreen and have such luscious, somewhat leathery leaves. Here’s another confession, I’m sharing the easy version of information about this lovely garden element. Here’s the (gah) Wikipedia Camellia story: they have been around, cultivated for ages. And, given the dark green and complimentary pinkish blooms, I can understand their appeal.

Here’s the painting! I love how it turned out and am excited to share it with you. It’s 6×12 inches, painted in oils and a part of a series! None of these sa-weet paintings will be for sale till the series is complete later this spring. So, I hope you enjoy looking here in the meantime.

More to Learn

In case, you too, are curious about Camellias, I found a wonderful website that lists Camellia gardens throughout the United States. Who knows? Maybe we will add a stop to one of these ‘gardens of excellence’ on our road trip later this year.

How About You

What are you curious about these days, gentle reader? Perhaps you have camellias blooming in your garden too? Or maybe you have something else that is occupying your curious mind? If so, please do share in the comments below. And, thank you for joining me on this colorful journey.