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Rosebay Willowherb in the Wind (2004) : Wall hanging : Acrylic on calico (140cm x 130cm). |
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Detail. |
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The idea for the artwork originated in this wood near Galashiels,Scottish Borders. While walking with my beautiful now departed dog Xiggy (above),I came upon a clearing ablaze with rosebay willowherb. I didn't actually make the wall hanging till some years later. |
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These old photos are a pale reminder of the vibrant field of colour. |
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Rosebay Willowherb or Fireweed is native throughout temperate zones in the Northern Hemisphere.It can quickly colonize areas after forest fires or felling,the seeds remain in the soil for many years awaiting a time for germination. Young leaves and stems can be eaten as greens.In Russia the leaves were used as a tea substitute,known in Western Europe as Kapor Tea. |
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Flower heads |
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On the banks of Loch Earn . |
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In Holyrood Park during July and August this plant showers the landscape with patches of magenta. Holyrood or Queen's Park is a 650 acre royal park in the centre of Edinburgh.Associated with the palace of Holyrood House,it was formerly a 12th century hunting estate. The park was created in around 1540,by King JamesV of Scotland and enclosed by a stone wall,much of which still exists.Today it is a managed wild area,popular with walkers,rock climbers,sightseers,cyclists and naturalists. |
17 comments:
Just beautiful. You've done it again with a stunning piece of art and the inspiration behind it. A post that's simply inspiring in its own right, as well as full of fascinating detail.
So sometimes you have stored up your inspiration in your mind for some years and finaly it results in this beautiful artwork. I like the colour of magenta.
Ruby this is beautiful, i loe to see swathes of willowherb on the banks & in fields, such a wonderful colour. I never knew the you could eat part of it!!
What a beautiful colour your works and willowherbs are! I like these colours, kind of pink,magenta,violet.
When cherry blossom are at their best on the slope of the mountainin in spring in Japan, we can see things like willowherbs in your picture.
Have a wonderful week!
Sarah.
Hello,Ruby!
I love your art very much.
The subtle and soft purple color is heartwarming and beautifully fluent! I feel gentle breeze from the art!I always think that purple is a suitable color for the great lady.
Tomoko.
Ruby, you have a unique talent to be able to translate beauty in nature to amazing art... Your color inspirations are true to the originals.
Bises,
Genie
I can well understand why you'd want to capture these rich tones in your art work. We have fireweed in the fields in this area as well. I had no idea about the tender leaves and stalks being edible or used for tea. Good to know if one is ever in a pinch for food and drink.
Dear Ruby,
Your inspiration has remained in your mind for some years before blooming beautifully as a piece of art, like the seeds which remain in the soil for many years waiting for a time to germinate. Likewise, the memory in the faded color photo revived with soft yet vibrant colors. I see the flowering Rosebay Willowherb swaying in the breeze. The shades of pink/purple are fluid and create tender and lively atmosphere and make me cheerful. Thank you for sharing. Enjoy your week.
Yoko
Yoko,I hadn't thought of the analogy with the seed awaiting germination,thanks for noticing.
These flowers always make me feel cheerful!
Ruby,
Your message about the Bavarian lederhosen as national dress arrived in my email box this morning. You must excuse my facetious answer about the shorts that I posted to you in the first instance; just as you are light-hearted, I tend to be ironic. I'm working on it!
:-)
Your pictures always make me feel like visiting them. So beautiful with full of nature.
I've heard the poppies are the same; their seeds remain deep in the soil for a long time and for some reason when the soil are digged up, they start germinating. It seems some energy is in store for the time to bloom. The field of rosebay willowherb looks all the more beautiful and so is your artwork.
Thank you for sharing, Ruby.
Bonitas fotografias y los cuadros son preciosos.
Saludos.
I've found about your blog thanks to Deborah Lawrenson's mention at her blog about your paintings and your inspiration. It is really wonderful what you are doing.
You might find some inspiration in my blog too, who knows?
what an absolutely stunning blog you keep....my gratitude to Deborah for sharing you!! :) i love medieval history, castles and the lore of the period you capture so beautifully in photography and your powerful work. I was intrigued you paint on calico and wondered if you meant literally 'calico' fabric, thinking you do... I look forward to walking with you in the beautiful places you travel...
blessings♥
Simply beautifully captured shots & the artwork...lovely!
Wow how beautiful, both the flowers & the wall hanging!
Thank you for your comments.
Have a great week!
Ruby
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