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Signs of spring are here. I am watching for the first roses of the season, anticipating how much I will enjoy painting them again. All of the work done last winter, planting, pruning, mulching is beginning to show results. Graham Thomas and Golden Celebration are the first to appear, yellow and joyful.

Artist block often plagues the winter months. My solution: I keep working and wait for new growth.

A symbol of achievement and completion, the rose also embodies adversity.  Long stems of thorns must be overcome before the reward of the flower can be attained.  In the garden roses are quite common, but remain extraordinary in their perfection. Symbolic associations make them a perfect subject for art. I especially love to paint roses, their beauty makes an easy choice, yet they are difficult to do well.

Painting the rose is a thorny process, but capturing its perfect form brings a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. I am constantly reminded of the importance of patience and humility, and that meeting a challenge brings its own reward.