Good morning everyone. This is a little watercolour sketch I did at Worsbrough Country Park last week. Finally we had one or two milder days and we really enjoyed the fresh air. Actually, I have been searching out the first signs of Spring this year. Because the winter did seem to me to be very long. And, it was such a pleasure to spot the first hazel catkins and the willow blossoms.
In fact I realised this year something I had never noticed before. That is, that the pussy willow flowers gradually open right out into larger flowers and the pollen escapes. Then the tree seems to be a vivid greeny yellow from a distance. As you approach, it gradually changes to be a dusty yellow colour. Just remember, the stark, dark brown branches are bare of leaves at this time. Honestly, this is the first time I ever noticed this!
One of the first signs of Spring on the willow trees
But, just to return to the blackthorn tree and its creamy white blossom. What a welcome sight at the end of winter! Again, the branches have no leaves, and the trees are covered in clouds of creamy white blossom.
In order to sketch this view en plein air, I sat on a very comfy bench near one of the pedestrian entrances of the park. And we were looking down towards the paths that lead around the shore of the reservoir in both directions. Honestly, it was such a treat to sit in the sunshine, and see happy walkers, children and dogs relaxing. In fact, even the watercolour sketch went well until I tried to indicate the showy, white flowers! Eventually, I had to leave that part of the painting until I got home. Then, out came the little tube of white gouache paint , but even then, I couldn’t quite do the tree justice! But, it was worth it to do my first outdoor sketch of the season.
Last year’s Spring flowers
Incidentally, this is an acrylic painting I did last year, in Spring to cheer myself up. It’s a semi abstracted view of pansies and polyanthus flowers in my garden, listening in the Spring showers. Well, it did cheer me up, but I’m so glad that I could go out this year. And appreciate the trees and their impressive blossoms in the Great Outdoors! If you want to read my post about last year’s exhibition ‘Springtime in Yorkshire ‘ see here .
You have captured the lovely delicate colours of spring Margaret
Thank you! I think it’s a beautiful time of year when the trees are without leaves, but lots of growth is going on around them.
First plein air of spring is certainly a reason to rejoice. I think it’s a lovely little scene
Thank you! It’s one of those little sketchbook pieces that will bring back happy memories.
I like your blackthorn flowers very much! Your spring is much earlier than here. It was warm and then snowed a few days ago… Happy Easter!
Thank you, Suzanne! Happy Easter.
Your relief and joy come through in your painting, Margaret! There’s a true beauty in color bursting out among the starkness ❤️ I’m getting where I feel real comfortable grabbing the white gouache tube, myself, lol! Once I learned John Singer Sargent was a real proponent of using white this way I was on my way with it 😊
Thank you so much, Felipe. I really appreciate your support. I don’t have any worries about using gouache myself. Only that it doesn’t seem to be a very strong colour and doesn’t make much of mark.
Beautiful paintings
Thank you so much!
Nice work Margaret
Thank you, Vivienne!