First Blooms
My morning walk yesterday was a balmy 63 degrees at 9 AM. I walked the Southeast Greenway down past the roller park and looped rightside around the pond where the ducks, coots, herons, egrets, and other varieties of aquatic life were enjoying the warm morning sunshine. I was thrilled to come across bright pink blooms on the Red Bud tree when all other trees, shrubs, and grasses were still brown. These pretty little buds come out before the tree leaves arrive. The small clusters of sweet pea-shaped blossoms appear all over the twigs, branches, and even on the trunk.
I enjoy keeping up with my journal so I can compare year to year what’s blooming, the changes in weather, and the bird life in my area. My journal entry can be seen below. The following are the watercolor pencils I used. Use a small damp brush to blend the colors.
· Mars Lumograph 3H pencil to block in the shapes
· Faber Castell Albrecht Durer watercolor pencil in Pink Madder lake
· Faber Castell Albrecht Durer watercolor pencil in Fuchsia
· Faber Castell Albrecht Durer watercolor pencil in Permanent Carmine
· Faber Castell Albrecht Durer watercolor pencil in Walnut Brown
As springtime nears in many areas, I hope you take the time to notice new plant life blooming and the coming and going of birds in your area. If spring is still a long way off for you, I suggest looking at my article, “The Colors of Winter.” There is still much beauty to enjoy in the winter months.
PHOTO: INNA GILIAROVA / GETTY IMAGES
