Topic: The Artist's Studio
Pittsburg is a tough place to grow anything, especially flowers and vegetables. Temperatures are cold, the growing season is short, and the soil conditions for productive growth are quite harsh. We're talking very little loam...and rocks....lots and lots of rocks!
So, it's not surprising I have very few varieties of flowers growing in my yard. I've had to choose only the tough varieties....rugged flowers that can deal with the north country reality, and still withstand a severe deprivation of water, and a significant lack of attention. The only flowers known to have survived on my porch, have been petunias, pansies, marigolds, and zinnias. You know, the die-hard survivors that can simply grow on their own.
Of the four, Zinnias are definitely my favorite. I love Zinnias. Despite everything, they still bloom beautifully....big bold blossoms of assorted color, all summer long....even when I forget to water them. They make wonderful subjects for paintings, too!
"Red Zinnia", 9 X 12 Oil on Canvas
My most recent painting, "Red Zinnia", is a tribute to one of last year's survivors; a bright red zinnia, blooming brilliantly among the pink. Talk about a reality show! Any flower that blooms under such conditions, deserves, at the least, to be painted!
The time has arrived to dig out the planters, and sow some new seeds. Tiny seedlings should be popping soon, and by mid-July, my porch should be full of color again. I'm looking forward to the new growing season, with new zinnias; new survivors; new subjects that deserve to be painted.
Til' next time,
Happy Creating!
If you're interested in seeing this painting in person, it is currently being displayed at the Ammonoosuc Artists Gallery, 111 Saranac Str., Littleton, NH.
"Red Zinnia", Description and Price
Oil Paintings and Portraits
Graphite Pencil Portraits
Posted by B. Kenney
at 4:37 PM EDT
Updated: Thu, Apr 27 2006 5:39 PM EDT
