I know that we are not supposed to like dandelions because they muck up the grass and spread around the lawn like wildfire. And indeed, they are something of a problem in my vegetable garden once the new, edible leaves are gone and the thick, feisty ones arrive. But I still think they are delightful. They don't last long in the vase, just as they don't last long out of doors, but I was able to paint these two - and the beautiful shadow they made on the wall - before they started to fade. While I painted, I listened to The Hazards of Love, by the Decembrists, having been introduced to it by my son. He and his talented friends made a most thrilling theater piece based on this music which I saw last weekend at Skidmore College. The painting is 8" x 10" on linen-covered foam core.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Dandelion shadowplay
I know that we are not supposed to like dandelions because they muck up the grass and spread around the lawn like wildfire. And indeed, they are something of a problem in my vegetable garden once the new, edible leaves are gone and the thick, feisty ones arrive. But I still think they are delightful. They don't last long in the vase, just as they don't last long out of doors, but I was able to paint these two - and the beautiful shadow they made on the wall - before they started to fade. While I painted, I listened to The Hazards of Love, by the Decembrists, having been introduced to it by my son. He and his talented friends made a most thrilling theater piece based on this music which I saw last weekend at Skidmore College. The painting is 8" x 10" on linen-covered foam core.
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4 comments:
Lovely painting, Sarah and I totally agree with you about dandelions.
BTW, The Decemberists live here in Portland.
Thank you Bill - I think I knew that about the Decembrists, but I had forgotten. You Portlanders really produce some interesting music - and art, of course!
Thank you for this lovely, meticulously executed dandilion, Sarah. And I loved the shadow as well--nice touch! I agree with you also about dandilions--we often overlook the beauty of the common, everyday weeds and wildflowers all around us. A "weed," after all, is in the eye of the beholder. From an ecological perspective, a dandilion is simply colonizing disturbed ground, drawing up nutrients into the topsoil with its taproot for its successors that will overshadow it. And it makes good wine as well.
Great idea! I love how you took dandelions, such a stereotypically happy, sappy flower (weed) and gave them a darker mood. Love it.
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