Marigold

I was helping my grandmother plant her garden this past spring and I became very taken with the natural colour palette that was presenting itself, in her house, and in her quaint little marigold flowerbed. Here is a shot that I took which directly inspired my painting of Marigold and, in turn, inspired some writing.

MARIGOLD
BY JOAN GRAVES

I am a simple thing to behold

I am quiet

Clean

Unharmed

Green

A potted marigold

When treated with care

Water

Sun

Soil to spare

I can be yours

My hair may not be gold

Nor my lips

Red

Or bold

But I never go unseen

Rituals

Drawing hearts on fogged up panes

Or wishing on those that burn bright and gleam

I sit still

Your warm garden morning thing

So take care and be loving

Yours

For the taking

Yours

Your evergreen

Sweet

Still

Darling

Another shot that inspired the painting was one of an old tractor that I found in Fort Steele (road trips are always great opportunities for inspiration). My boyfriend (now fiancé) Nigel, humoured me by sitting in the tractor for a quick picture.

Song Choice: It Never Was the Same - The Twilight Sad
(Nigel and I enjoyed listening to The Twilight Sad while driving through the mountains in Alberta and British Columbia. Very atmospheric!)

 

Another source of inspiration was taken in the east field of my parents' farm. My parents usually take a walk after supper to check the crops (especially the corn), and on the occasion that I partake, there are always good pictures and conversations to be had.

Last image is of the finished product. The painting Marigold, I suppose had many sources of inspiration. I find work extremely meaningful when I can connect with it in more ways than one.