Holly

My submission to Calypso Moon Artist challenge for December - a bit of the holiday spirit. I had so many different ideas of what to paint for the holidays, and couldn't really decide until only yesterday. I love the look of holly, with it's deep green leaves (and touches of blue). But I have to say, it is probably one of the most painful plants I've ever known!!

Only this past spring did we discover (the hard way) that a holly bush took up residence within our hedge. As I struggled to prune the dead out, and eliminate the maple tree saplings that rose up within it, my poor hand discovered the holly bush. Nothing too severe, but it did draw blood and caused me to erupt a rather loud "*@&%#" in the yard! LOL!

It most likely grew from seeds dropped by the birds (my guess anyway), and it is in the most unlikely of places for a new plant to grow. But it grew, and is about 3 feet high - smack in the middle of the boxwood hedge!! We haven't removed it (yet) - we may attempt that this year. Or perhaps we will leave it right where it is - it's where mother nature planted it, so perhaps it should just stay put. Only, I now know where it is! I won't be feeling my way around inside the hedge any longer - at least, not without a thick pair of gloves!!

Acrylic on canvas, approx 8x10