Forsythia

Our forsythia bushes have frankly always been a disappointment, very much in the “must try harder” category. But this spring has been different – in so many ways, and they delivered. Perhaps not as full-on, straight-A, solid blossom as some neighboring examples, but impressive nonetheless.

Forsythia and Trees, Clinton Corners, Easter Sunday, April 12th, 2020
Forsythia and Trees, Clinton Corners, Easter Sunday, April 12th, 2020

They are not always easy to incorporate into a cohesive picture. Their absurdly high chroma competes with everything, and, depending on my mood, I can find their cheery, irrepressibly bright and perky presence a bit slappable. But this year I am inclined to be simply grateful.

Forsythia and Trees II, Late Afternoon, April 11th, 2020
Forsythia and Trees II, Late Afternoon, April 11th, 2020
Forsythia and Trees I, Clinton Corners, Late Afternoon, April 18th, 2020
Forsythia and Trees I, Clinton Corners, Late Afternoon, April 18th, 2020
Forsythia and Trees II, Clinton Corners, Late Afternoon, April 18th, 2020
Forsythia and Trees II, Clinton Corners, Late Afternoon, April 18th, 2020

The featured image for this post is actually painted over two earlier pictures. I first used the canvas board in 2010 in Maine. I never made peace with that beach scene, and so on March 15th this year, turned 90 degrees, it became the shadows of a lakeside tree as seen from the deck. That was also unsatisfactory, or just too lugubrious, and so I pulled it out to document the forsythia. Third time’s a charm – it will stay that way!

Forsythia and Trees I, Late Afternoon, April 11th, 2020
Forsythia and Trees I, Late Afternoon, April 11th, 2020
Sunday Afternoon, Forsythia, 4:50 pm, April 19th, 2020
Sunday Afternoon, Forsythia, 4:50 pm, April 19th, 2020

There it is – that assertive, optimistic glow against the gloom. Yes, got to love it this year!

Detail - Sunday Afternoon, Forsythia, 4:50 pm, April 19th, 2020
Detail – Sunday Afternoon, Forsythia, 4:50 pm, April 19th, 2020
Detail - Sunday Afternoon, Forsythia, 4:50 pm, April 19th, 2020
Detail – Sunday Afternoon, Forsythia, 4:50 pm, April 19th, 2020
Detail - Sunday Afternoon, Forsythia, 4:50 pm, April 19th, 2020
Detail – Sunday Afternoon, Forsythia, 4:50 pm, April 19th, 2020
Detail - Sunday Afternoon, Forsythia, 4:50 pm, April 19th, 2020
Detail – Sunday Afternoon, Forsythia, 4:50 pm, April 19th, 2020
Detail - Sunday Afternoon, Forsythia, 4:50 pm, April 19th, 2020
Detail – Sunday Afternoon, Forsythia, 4:50 pm, April 19th, 2020

8 Comments

  1. They are brilliant, and you capture them beautifully! A bright spot amidst home bound days. Xx

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