Along the River Mein

Along the River Mein, a photo by linfrye ...on vacation ... on Flickr.

Our trip to Frankfurt and the Palm Gardens. Please see http://www.flickr.com/photos/linfrye for more photos.

Frankfurt on Mein

Frankfurt on Mein, a photo by linfrye ...on vacation ... on Flickr.

Flickr Friends!

Flickr Friends!, a photo by linfrye ...on vacation ... on Flickr.

Please see
http://www.flickr.com/photos/linfrye

for many more photos

Doris' Fabulous Garden

Doris' Fabulous Garden, a photo by linfrye ...on vacation ... on Flickr.

It is a most gorgeous Garden!! The tulips are so bright and tall!!

Cologne, Germany 'The Cathedral'

Cologne, Germany 'The Cathedral', a photo by linfrye ...on vacation ... on Flickr.

See
http://www.flickr.com/photos/linfrye

for more photos.

Double Quince

Double Quince, a photo by linfrye .. on Flickr.

10" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

With two quince shrubs on my property - one a brilliant crimson, the other a paler peach, I wanted to combine their colors in a different way in this painting. I focused more on the 'orange' side of the flowers, enhancing the colors for a more expressive interpretation. I used the 'double quince' blossoms as a model for the flower shape. So many of my own spring blossoms are pale pink or white, I wanted be a bit more adventuresome and go 'brighter' with this painting .....

Hope you have a super week!

Thank you for your comments, invitations, and visits!!

On a Street in Tuscany

On a Street in Tuscany, a photo by linfrye .. on Flickr.

12" x 16" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

With so much tragedy lately, even the blossoms of spring seem a bit dulled by the shock and sadness of so much loss and concern.

Times like this, my thoughts return to happier moments. Here, I return to spring in Tuscany ... a quiet street, flowers in bloom, a remembered coffee and gelato, the sound of birds welcoming the season, the sun warm on my back as each doorway and ancient wall seems to glow in that incredible Italian sunlight.

For today, this dip into the past is enough to help recall the goodness in the world, the joy found in simple things, and people whose hearts are filled with love.

May there be peace ...

Poppies To Remember ...

Poppies To Remember ..., a photo by linfrye .. on Flickr.

6" x 8" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

I am heartsick with the tragedy of the Boston marathon and my heart and prayers go out to those killed and injured in this senseless event.

Though I painted this a while ago, it seems fitting today to remember those lost and hurt .... we are a people in mourning and bewilderment ....

Crab Apple

Crab Apple, a photo by linfrye .. on Flickr.

Spring in my garden ... a branch from our Crab Apple Tree.

Swallowtails

Swallowtails, a photo by linfrye .. on Flickr.

It seems even the swallowtails know it spring. We've seen dozens of this already!

Double Quince

Double Quince, a photo by linfrye .. on Flickr.

In its full glory --

The Yellow Fields

The Yellow Fields, a photo by linfrye .. on Flickr.

11" x 14" Watercolor
Arches 140#CP

Spring is here and it feels rather short-lived as temperatures this week have reached mid 80s...! Tree leaves are just emerging, and fields are beginning to yellow not only from the dropping pine pollen, but also from the field mustards and wild flowers also making an appearance. In a few short weeks, our roadsides will again look like this painting, and we'll be headlong into summer.

Still, half of the US is in snow, ice, torrential rains and storms, while those of us on the east side of a fast-moving front are enjoying record heat and sunshine. The farmers have been turning over their fields and we are in the midst of flowers and new growth.

I love this time of year where every turn delights us with a shrub or garden in bloom. The parade of blossoms seems to go so fast, it's hard to capture it all.

Time to bask in the joy of it.

Happy Thursday!