Collage of Curiosities No. 13
May. I’ve barely been home or in the studio this month. Other than completing a commission and some small drawings, I’ve been off adventuring around the country. Kenny and I each had a sibling graduating from Master’s programs and made our way to celebrate with each of them, first to the gloriously colorful chaos of Miami, and then I made the solo 17-hour drive to Southeastern Pennsylvania.
While I haven’t been productive in the studio, my garden itself has been producing loads of cut flowers and produce. My house somehow feels fuller with this yield inside. The walls fall away as I flit in and out collecting harvest in the morning and evening. In fact, when Kenny’s off on business, I often spend the early evening with a glass of wine deadheading faded blooms around the garden. Before I know it, it’s seven o’clock and all I’ve had for dinner is grapes! Luckily caprese is a favorite and quick to put together.
When I’m off traveling, I find myself thinking back to my garden, especially as my favorite places to visit are old estates with sprawling gardens of their own. I always collect masses of inspiration. When I take road trips, I tend to visit local nurseries and haul home a trunk of plants that I can’t find in my own locale. Over my week in Pennsylvania, I amassed what was practically a small garden. I’m pleased to report that everything survived the journey home.
The summer solstice hasn’t officially happened but the spirit of the season is in full swing. Scroll below to see some of the highlights of my “summer” so far and read a little more about each image’s story.
The view of the Destin pass from the plan as we made our way down the coast to Miami.
The view of the Apalachicola River from the plane.
Both Kenny’s work and play involve being a pilot so we flew down with along with one of his brother’s for the graduation.
Kenny and I on the rooftop bar of our hotel in Miami.
Our cat Bagheera perched on the edge of my Brussel Sprout harvest I hauled these little gems up to my sister’s in Pennsylvania along with a bucket full of flowers for her graduation dinner.
The oil painting commission I completed this month. My brief was to create a piece with a Redwinged blackbird, and some of my client’s favorite plants Goldenrod, Beebalm, and ferns. She also requested a few fun “hidden” elements.
Interested in a commission? Learn more about the process
Inside the dreamy summerhouse at Winterthur Estate.
The view through the gardens to the outside of the summerhouse.
An ornamented plaster ceiling and crystal chandelier inside the Winterthur manse.
Shadows of just some of the plants that took up temporary residence on my sister’s front porch before I made my way home. The entire trunk of my 4Runner was packed full.
Different harvests from around my yard and gardens.
Where to next?