Victorian Garden II

“If flowers are nature’s treasure, the light of morning makes each bloom a jewel.”

~ Thomas Kinkade’s studio journal

Ah, dappled light of morning…it works such exquisite magic on the flowers. Each dew-drenched petal reflects radiant sunlight, much like the facets of a jewel. The gem-like brilliance of flowers in the morning light is one inspiration for Victorian Garden II, the long awaited second painting in my Victorian Garden Collection.

Another inspiration is the tranquility and gracefulness of the Victorian way of life. The Victorians savored the pleasures of living in the fullness of time. I imagine the generations of family enjoying their magnificent gardens at their leisure, watching the slow growth of hedges and climbing rose as much as they savor the slow maturing of children and grandchildren.

I find that I’m attracted to the Victorian ear because there is a Victorian side to my spirit. I enjoy the pleasures of a garden as they did – the family gatherings, meeting with friends, exquisite teas. Above all, I love the leisurely pace of an era when there was time enough to watch things grow. A time when it seemed there was an appreciation for a simpler, yet grander way of life. How I would have enjoyed the town socials and community gatherings, both of which are almost nonexistent today.

While painting Victorian Garden II, these were the thoughts I followed while at the easel. It is during these times of reflection that I am reminded of how truly wonderful and meaningful the simpler times of our lives actually are.