A Native; The Red-Flowering Currant

At the bleak tail-end of winter, red-flowering currant’s flurry of blossoms act like horticultural Prozac. Gracefully drooping clusters of crimson flowers adorn shrubs that have yet to leaf out. The blooms reassure us that yes, spring is nearly here. The rest of the year the shrub is a good garden citizen, greening up nicely with maple-like leaves, making berries for the birds, and turning gently yellow in the fall—while quietly awaiting its return to top billing.

I purchased several native plants from the Conservation District last year and am happy to report most are showing signs of life especially the red-flowering currants. Need I say, the hummingbirds are delighted?!

You can also see the red-flowering currant in open woods, on cliffs, and along roadsides in Washington.

Artists Helping Japan

Keiko Tanabe has created a fund-raiser on her Daily Painting Blog. Artist create a piece of art which is then downloaded to the website and entered into the auction. She has chosen "home" as a theme for all the artwork submitted. All art is for sale with the proceeds going to one of the organizations that collect donations for disaster relief efforts in Japan.

If you are an artist or interested in purchasing art, here is the information you will need to know.

"The Help Japan Challenge" does not have an ending date.

Each painting has an auction that ends at 9 pm CST at least 7 days after the painting was submitted. Be sure to check the time remaining on the auction page of the painting you are interested in to see when that auction ends.

I entered this collage watercolor painting:

How About A Cup
Joanne Osband
watercolor collage

Fascination With Rocks

My grandson, Haeden, came to visit me the other day, and he was fascinated with the pile of river rocks boarding the deck.



What is it about rocks that is so fascinating?

The colors and shapes attract me. When I was in Greece not only did I take photographs of rocks, but also brought some home from various locations, especially beaches. I have these small piles on a counter and not sure what to do with them.

Rekindling my love of rocks with Haeden, I began a watercolor painting from photographs of one of the beaches on the island of Antiparos in Greece.

This is just the first day painting:


A close up:




To be continued.......

Sunday Sketches

If you have noticed the addition of a sketch by Sophia on the lower right corner of this blog, it is a "button" link to a group of artists who sketch and post their sketches on the Blue Chair Diary blog. Of course, the event occurs on Sundays.

I came across this group from a blogger friend, Deanna, who contacted me and suggested I join. Discipline is good; the act of committing to doing a drawing once a week will be a good challenge. Besides, it will be fun to get to know others who are sketchers.

You can come along, too. View the submission each Sunday either by using the "button" here or subscribing to Sophia's blog.

I will miss this Sunday. It is my grandson's first birthday and you know where I will be :)

This began as a sketch and then became a watercolor painting:

Ask Me About My Grandson
Joanne Osband
watercolor

It Must Be Spring!

Yes, the sighting of the first trilliums here in the Pacific Northwest is a definite sign of spring.

If you are not familiar with the trillium, it is a native wildflower. There are 39 species of trillium known. All types are easily identified by the three main leaf bracts that start to show in the early part of spring. These leaves are followed by a long stem on which the flower blooms. White flowers are most prevalent in damp, woody areas. Red flowers have also been known to show up where the white trillium grows. Other bloom colors include pink, white turning to pale purple, and yellow.

Many of us get very excited when we spot them as occurred today on my walk with a friend through the woods.

I have captured the delicate wildflower in a watercolor painting which has delighted many art patrons and collectors.

Janet's Trillium
Joanne Osband
watercolor

It is named for my friend who is addicted to trilliums and provided me with great photographs for the painting.

Color YES!

It is that time of year when a splash of color in the yard instantly puts a smile on my face. I do not know about you, but the browns and grays of winter tend to become monotonous after awhile. Spring bulbs to the rescue!

Color speaks to the artist in me. With a couple of non-rainy days here in Washington the daffodils and anemones are showing their heads. I planted about 300 bulbs last spring and am rejoicing at their appearance.



I am learning patience. Last spring I planted English Daisies from seed and surprisingly I was able to distinguish the plants from weeds. All summer long I kept weeding around the plants. To my amazement, they are now flourishing and blooming!




Now the challenge is to keep this beautiful color from the slugs!

I have my defense.....a six pound jug of Sluggo.

Endings and Beginnings

Time to change subject matter.....

Having painted three pictures in the series of sand orchids of Greece, it is time to move off the beach and on to another subject.

Here are the three watercolor paintings in order of creation:




Do you have a favorite? Tell me and why?

I appreciate your input. Thanks!