Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Tulips to brighten a cold day

Its been a very cold winter here in California, with very little rain to speak of. I'm used to green hills this time of year, but without the rain we're left with unexciting brown hills. When I saw these beautiful tulips in the grocery store, they really caught my attention. I decided to treat myself and mom to bouquets of the tulips to brighten the cold winter days. My idea sure worked for me - the tulips brought warmth like sunshine on a bitter cold day. I also had fun sketching and painting the crystal vase that my parents gave me years ago.

14 comments:

Unknown said...

The perfect painting for February. Tulips are a sign of hope and the new life in the spring. This is a beautiful composition!

Joanne said...

Very pretty reminder of the season about to arrive. It's funny that it's been cold where you are. In New England, it's been such a warm winter, it feels like spring. Today, I can't believe it, it'll be 60 degrees, when it should be about 40 degrees lower!

Katiejane said...

Very pretty! Isn't it amazing how flowers can really lift your mood? We've had nothing but rain here; flooding everywhere! I'm starting to see little sprouts of daffodils poking up through the soil, though. Won't be long now!

Sarah Melling said...

Isn't our weather strange? I love your tulip piece. I think it's interesting that tulips continue growing even when cut...they always look so graceful. Love your piece on SLO too; now that my daughter has graduated, we miss our jaunts down there!

Kathy A. Johnson said...

We've had a very warm winter--wanna trade?! Seriously, the tulips are lovely--I'm sure they brightened up both your life and your mom's. Great idea!

Mermaid's Palette said...

Claire-
the tulips are beautiful, and I hope you get a warm day- soon!

Cheryl Gebhart said...

The weather sure has been strange - we've had very warm weather here. You had a great idea to buy the tulips - they would have brightened my day too. And your sketch of them is awesome, and so is the vase.

lori vliegen said...

there's nothing like a sweet bouquet of tulips to brighten your day! you've captured them beautifully in your artwork!! happy weekend, sweet claire! xox

Anonymous said...

Lovely tulips! Here they start appearing in markets in Feb. They are dear to my heart. I've enjoyed seeig them in Holland & at the Ottawa Tulip Festival too, but in the midst of winter they especially delight!

Anonymous said...

Hi Claire, I'm going to be closing my blog because I started a local drawing class today & want to focus my time & energy on that. One of the best parts of my blog experience was corresponding w/ you! But I'll still come be to read yours. I adore your art & your fun spirit! Joie de vivre you have!

Claire M said...

Ink and Aquarelle: sorry to hear that you are closing your blog. I really enjoyed seeing your sketches. I hope we can keep in touch. Best wishes on your drawing and art of your choice.

teri said...

You brought a little springtime to this winter's day. So sweet! Thank you for your well wishes, Claire.

Alexandra MacVean said...

I just stumbled across your blog via Elvie Studio. San Jose? I have a baby brother who lives there! And yes, he said it's been very cold this winter.

Your tulips are lovely. :) Off to explore the rest of your art!

Terry said...

They are lovely! I really like the variety in your greens.