Lilies and Pears: Analyze This

Here is a classic color scheme: red/pink, green, blue. The composition is a vertical zig zag. The eye starts in the upper left, runs down the fruit stem, sideways from the fruit over to the lilies, then down into the lilies' shadows. 

Still Lives, by Patricia Uchello

Lewis Ginter Gardens in Richmond

Cherry blossoms in bloom at Lewis GInter in Richmond, Virginia, do my soul good. Additionally, heavenly-scented hyacinths are blooming in the splendid conservatory, alongside tulips, clivia, orchids, and bougainvillea. 

The charming thatched roof cottage has numerous fairy houses inside. 

These pictures were taken late March, at a time when the state of Virginia has just about threatened to throw in the towel because of Spring's slow arrival. 

Flowers, BLOOM!

Your imaginary gardener,

Patsie

Longwood Gardens in Brandywine Country

The DuPont family is well known for their immense wealth. To those of us who value gardens and horticulture, we also know the family for its love of nature and gardening. Longwood Gardens was founded by Pierre DuPont, head of DuPont and also General Motors, who wished to save the land from development. He summered in an old modest home on the property. 

He built tree houses that integrated existing old trees in their design. An Italian Water Garden is a major feature as is the splendid-in-any-season conservatory. 

 A wonder to behold in the holiday season, the lights are amazing after dark, as they festoon the evergreens and illuminate the dancing fountains. 

Enjoy!

Just One Year Ago

, 

One year ago, I was hanging my one woman art show at River Farm,  the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society, along the verdant banks of the Potomac River.

Which leads me to pondering my next show there, in two years... It takes years to develop a new body of work, good enough technically and interesting enough.  The minute that show was hung, I started producing new work. This year, I have already produced at least 12-18 new oil paintings that will be suitable for hanging. Some of them have sold. So I just keep churning out new work, to keep up. It is exciting; it is fun; and it is draining. But most good things in life are!

I love having a goal, an end game. A huge show in which I hang 80 paintings is a real challenge, but ultimately doable.
Sorry, but I have to stop typing and resume painting!

Your Imaginary Friend,
Patsie

African Daisies

Dear Imaginary Friend,
Did I just hear you asking what did I paint a week ago? Well, fine. Here you are!
African Daisies
10x 8"
Oil
For sale
$300

African Daisies

Yellow Iris

Dear Imaginary Friends,
What did I paint last Wednesday, did you just ask? Well, since you are so insistent and must know, here goes!

The Yellow Iris, Oil, 24" x 12" by Patricia M. Uchello, c.2013

Magical Abracadabra

How does this... become this?

I am so glad that you asked.:)  It was transformed from 3D to 2D. An illusion. Magic. The magic transformation provided by the visual arts.

Kurt Schwarz

Today's demo painting, at The Art League in Alexandria, Virginia.

Philadelphia Flower Show, Part Deux:

Loved it!!! Wish you were there.
Patsie

Brilliant! The Philadelphia Flower Show

It's Raining Flowers

Lovely Planter

Statue with Hollyhocks

Banquet Table fit for a king

Big Ben

Mini Doll House Conservatory- the Butler, in the conservatory, with a wrench!

Flowers galore

A Doll House Mini Grand Salon. Downton Abbey?

Very Austin Powers!

This year's Philadelphia Flower Show is a splash of color with a British twist. There are multiple themes inspired by all things English, such as the Beatles, and the Carnaby Street look, all the way to Big Ben, the Tower, and the crown jewels. Take a trip through my photos and see what you may have missed. Show ends this Sunday.
It smelled lovely and the marketplace had an astounding array of goodies for purchase. The vendors sell items that one cannot find anywhere else.

Your Imaginary Garden Enthusiast,
Patsie

All photos are unretouched, taken by moi, with my iphone.copyright2013.

Middleton Gardens

Camellias in full bloom

Spanish Moss Frames a View of the Ashley River

Formal Lawn and Butterfly Lakes of Middleton Gardens

When Washington, DC, is gray and devoid of vibrant vegetation (Winter!), I like to trek South to see some greenery and flowers. That is exactly what I found near Charleston, SC, this week at Middleton Gardens. You have never seen so many blooming camellia trees in your life! Some are massive and old, and some are new.

Middleton Gardens are the oldest professionally designed and installed gardens in the United States.

Ancient Oak

Camellias, Cherry Tree, Tulip Magnolias and Azaleas in Bloom

Pea Hens

Wood Nymphs and a Carpeted Path of Camellia Blossoms

There is also a restaurant, a gift shop and many acres to explore, all about 30 minutes easy drive from downtown historic Charleston. The original plantation home was burned down by Union Troops during the Civil War, and only a brick ruin remains. But the gardens endure, all these 175 years.

Your Garden Buddy,
Patsie

Ikebana Show at the Art League, This Weekend Only

If you, fair maiden and kind gentleman, have not yet seen the Art League's pairing of art with flowers, you must run now!!

theartleague.org 

Head to Old Town, Alexandria, forthwith. Entrance is free. 

Below is a taste!