March 19, 2013

push pull


9 x 12, oil on canvas

Ever "coax" spring branches? I think bare limbs in old jars are lovely just as they are, but if you choose to invite early budding, here is how it is done: Cut stems 12-24 inches in length (depending on the height of your container) cutting at an angle. Then split the ends (or slightly crush with a hammer) to allow for more water intake. Place them in a solution of warm water, floral preservative (or lemon lime soda) and a spritz of bleach (to kill the bacteria). They should be placed in a room with minimal indirect light until the blooms start to appear. Easiest to coax where I live are forsythia, flowering quince, redbuds and any flowering trees like cherry, apple and pear or tulip tree. The buds started appearing after only a few days!


"The artist is the confidant of nature,
flowers carry on dialogues with him 
through the graceful bending of their stems 
and the harmoniously tinted nuances of their blossoms. 
Every flower has a cordial word which nature directs towards him."
Auguste Rodin


2 comments:

Nancy Van Blaricom said...

Beautiful painting Faye.
I haven't brought branches into the house to encourage early blooming in years. Now I wish I had some branches to bring in. I loved having them in the house !

Crazy RAvens Studio said...

This is a lovely spring-like painting, Faye. I may have to go garden raiding for the branches to force!