This hibiscus bush is the one shrub in my garden that has been here since we moved into the house 40 years ago. It survives my pruning pruning skills ("hacking" would be a more accurate word) and waterless summers. This morning, as I was painting, the New Holland honey eaters were savouring the nectar, chirping distinctively all the while. Since so many of us are out painting in our gardens during our self-isolations, I actually felt like I was painting with everyone this morning. It was a great feeling.A bit hot today so I painted under the pergola. The painting (6x8") doesn't quite do justice to the lovely Cuban oregano plant. I struggled to get the vibrancy on the home-made paper surface. Still, it's all practice.I set up this blog to share my painting travels on my planned trip to Darwin. Well, that quickly went by the wayside, so here I am blogging about my plein air painting around my garden instead. Like many others, I plan to keep up my painting plein air in these difficult times by using my house and garden. So, here is my first blog posting - the tree outside my front gate. I have always wanted to paint this tree, with its beautiful bark patterns and colours. This tree has had many deep scars from severe attacks by a variety of natural forces, but has always managed to heal them over in an almost miraculous way and continue giving pleasure to me and the birds.
|