Spring Tulips

"Tulips"

12x12 oil

SOLD

We took a trip through Gettysburg last week on our return from our winter in Naples.
The Gettysburg Military Park includes a fantastic museum and a most unexpected and spectacular treat, the Cyclorama, which is a 377' by 42' high, painting of the battlefield mounted in a circular venue with a sound system and light show. The Cyclorama on Tremont Street in Boston was the original venue for this painting! 

We did a self guided tour of the battlefield using a CD we bought in the visitors' center which gave us the option to visit at our own pace. 
I can only say that if you haven't visited, you must. The experience was moving and beautiful beyond anything I had imagined. It's cliche but just being there is a sobering experience. 

We arrived to perfect spring weather and this past Sunday I set up this bouquet of tulips on my deck and painted some post worthy work for the first time in weeks. 
In order to get these pinks and purples I had to go into my (can't live without) stable of "reds". They are Grumbacher Thalo Red Rose, Grumbacher Thalo Violet and Winsor Newton Permanent (Quinacridone) Rose. You must have at least one of these colors to make a real pink. 
The painting sabbatical is over ;) 

In Transition

Abba and Wolfie looking skeptical

Just so you all know, I didn't just hang it up after getting a record amount of comments on this last painting. I spent last week getting ready for the trip North which takes a lot out of me. I'm not a good transition-er.  Each year I swear I'm not going to take too much stuff to Naples...yeah....right. We left Friday morning, spent two days on the road and arrived home Sunday afternoon. Initially the girls were a bit anxious. I never saw cats pant before so I released them from their cages and that calmed them some. All those big trucks going by was a new experience for them. It was a good trip and we're home and it's Spring!!