Windowsill Delphinium

 The blue of a Delphinium flower is ethereal.
Even as the petals dry and drop,
their hue maintains an otherworldly intensity.

With some luck, this aging human would like to hold onto my own colorful intensity right to the end.

Angel Wing Begonias

A simple watercolor painting

of a humble begonia scion,

an understated expression
of admiration and gratitude

for a resilient family
devoted to cultural achievement,
art and education.

Many thanks and much love to the Lee-Swanek family, of the Lee Piano Studio in New Milford, Connecticut.

When One Door Closes

The intrigue of open doorways and afternoon light inspired this detailed watercolor, an interior view of the artist's home.

Corbin Avenue

Home Sweet Home,
studio,
garden,
workshop,
and cheese cave.

As I post this, tropical storm Henri approaches like an old uncle humbled by his demotion from the category of hurricane. He's raining steadily and the landscape is welcoming his paced abundance into waiting streams. Wind which could have arrived as forceful blows from his invisible hand, are only gentle cuffs - so far. Let's hope our old Uncle Henri maintains his demeanor for the duration of his visit. At least another fourteen hours to go. . . 

This is another 5" x 7" watercolor sketch, a page from one of my notebooks.

RosesRosesRoses

 Overwhelmed by roses
each bloom an explosion
of tender petals

sensuous curves

soft recesses
deep with color.

Bloom upon bloom,
some shy
tinted shadow-blue
 hiding behind siblings,

while others bold and haughty
push forward
to wear sunlight like an accessory
gilding themselves
with gold sunsets
and morning lavender.

Overwhelmed by roses
without focal reference,
each detail
demanding top preference.
The eye wanders
the heart follows
and is lost in beauty.

Another 5" x 7" watercolor sketch from the rose garden in Elizabeth Park, West Hartford, Connecticut. These were roses from bed 475, according to the Helen S. Kaman Rose Garden bed map.  

Shade Garden

Cool refuge under the trees
a comfortable bench 
within a tapestry
of green foliage and blue shadow.

This 5" x 7" watercolor sketch was done at the Julian and Edith Eddy Rock Garden, better known as the Shade Garden, in Elizabeth Park, West Hartford, Connecticut. It's an absolutely refreshing place to rest between walks through the sun-loving rose beds in the month of June - when its blooming hot!

Gnarled Guardian

 Inside the Heritage Rose Garden
ancient lineages bloom

secure within stone walls

guarded by

a gnarled giant.

This is a 5" x 7" watercolor sketch of a tree just outside the Heritage Rose Garden in Elizabeth Park, West Hartford, Connecticut. Visit in mid-June to experience the full fragrance and pay respects to this guardian as you exit toward the main Helen S. Kaman Rose Garden with it's impressive beds, arches, and gazebo.