Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Simple Rose


Acrylic on 9x12 canvas sheet
Available through DPW gallery/auction

Just a simple rose, done against a backdrop of muted browns & greens. Roses as they unfold, fascinate me - their petals so delicate to the touch. And depending on the variety, so fragrant also. 

I can't help but think of my grandfather when I see roses - he loved growing them. He had different variety bushes that he nurtured, and would always collect the flowers for bouquets indoors. I recall a vivid all-yellow variety he had that amazed me! As a child, I had never seen a yellow rose. Red & pink, yes, but not the yellow. 

He taught me how to cut them for a vase, and how to carefully remove the thorns on the stems. "Always keep some of the leaves with the flower. Makes it look more natural in the vase" he would say to me.

My grandparents house has had different owners since they passed away. The house has been remodeled and added to, but I still recognize it as the home they had. However, the rose bushes are gone. And as much as I have tried to grow them myself, I have not hit upon the perfect combination of light & winter protection to keep them growing. 

But I do love a rose bouquet, and my husband knows that. I have a wedding anniversary coming up in a month or so -- wonder what color rose he will find this year! 


3 comments:

martinealison said...

Vous ne pouvez peindre que merveilleusement bien les roses avec ce que vous en dites... Les souvenirs de votre enfance ont nourri votre amour pour elles.
Cette dernière peinture en est un bel hommage. Tout y est délicat et d'une grande fraîcheur.
Gros bisous

padmaja said...

Nan, this post is so meaningful for me, you know why, this post could have been written by me! You started my day today with fond memories for my grand father who grew a lot of roses. especially the the yellow ones! Your painting is as lovely as your memory!

Autumn Leaves said...

While the painting is very pretty, I have to say I loved your words even moreso. What a legacy your grandfather left you.

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