Trillium

Trillium - 11 x 14 - oil, top

Trillium - 12 x 16 - watercolor, bottom

Two studies of a Trillium, a three-leafed spring perennial that grows wild in Washington State. It's also known as a 'wakerobin.' When my children were small we'd walk in the woods and my daughter would pick little bunches of Trilliums for me.

Usually I favor my oil version, but this time the watercolor seems to capture the spirit of a Trillium, like a translucent little butterfly.

A white trillium is the official flower of Ontario, Canada. It's also the official wildflower of Ohio. Here in Washington State it isn't anything special, except if you love the underdog, like me.

All about the Trillium.

Rhody Glow

Rhody Glow - 11 x 14 - oil, top

Rhody Glow - 12 x 16 - watecolor, bottom

The finished painting of a white Rhododendron, the Washington State flower. Below it is the initial watercolor study.

I've painted Rhododendrons, oh, about 20 times, and each time I fall in love. They are so unique and full of personality.

These are fairly small, compared to some of my other paintings. But they required intense concentration. And you can see the top version contains some extra leaves. I felt they were needed in order to balance out the composition. That's why I always do a watercolor study first, so I can see if the composition really works.

Well, on to another painting!