The Language of Flowers

Last year, I painted lots of figurative paintings.

The year before, it was vessels.

So far this year, it's all about flowers!

 If I had to guess, it's because of the types of novels I've been enjoying lately.

This "floral bug" bit me while reading Elizabeth Gilbert's 

breathtaking "The Signature of All Things".

I didn't know the "age of botanical exploration" could be so adventurous - or so mystical!

After reading Gilbert's book, I felt so sad that it was over….

 I began seeking more books about flowers - 

a strange tangent, but I wholeheartedly believe in following your muse.

So, "The Language of Flowers" by Vanessa Diffenbaugh was my next read.

Did you know that during the Victorian age, 

people gave flowers to communicate sentiments?

(We are talking more than giving red roses to express love here.)

In the back of Diffenbaugh's book, 

you'll find a dictionary of each flower's meaning - really cool!

"Floral obsessions" are showing up in my sketchbook and on the easel.

This baby is still in progress . . . but I thought I'd still share.

I'll leave you with Elizabeth Gilbert's "book trailer" 

for her beautiful book "The Signature of All Things".  

Enjoy!