Dianthus

 Cheerful and colorful from late spring well into the summer, dianthus are perfect examples of radial symmetry. Petals spread outward from each center. Colors form in symmetrical rings. And yet, on this one little plant, there are so many variations within the finely-drawn lines of the petals: short dashes on some, long arterial veins on others and nearly filled-in tracings on the brightest blooms. Each flower sports a zigzaggy white edge, some forming only the thinnest most delicate line of white. How marvelous to see symmetry and variety working in harmony. 

Flax In Bloom

 Petals the color of a clear sky swayed in the breeze on a mild spring day. This very same plant has been essential to life since ancient times. Processing the fibers into linen threads involves many laborious, mysterious-sounding stages: rippling, retting, scutching and heckling. Fine linen fabric was wound around the remains of Egyptian pharaohs.  The seeds were an important part of ancient diets. Without linseed oil, many of the great paintings in the world would not exist. Quite a resume for a delicate plant nestled among the peonies.

Cezanne's "At The Water's Edge"

 The National Gallery in Washington has many Cezannes on display. My favorite is a painting that looks not quite done, as if he never finished layering all the colors. Viewers can see how he used a brush loaded with dark paint to draw in the lines that determine the structures of buildings, bushes and trees. Then he started adding his blocky dabs of greens and browns along with the spongier shapes of clouds. Reflections shimmer on the water. The buildings look sturdy. Those clouds billow and reflect sunlight. Does it matter whether or not the painting is finished? It stirs my soul while also revealing the artist’s methods. 

Robin's Nest

 The newly abandoned nest hung precariously from a corner post supporting our deck looking more like a wreath than a nest. One egg already lay on the ground. What happened here? Did a larger bird disturb the parents or try to raid the nest? I am imagining that they were novices who did not realize that a spot three feet off the ground with no branches to hide it was not a wise choice. It was a perfectly formed nest with perfect brighter-than-Tiffany-blue eggs. So full of possibilities...So sad.

Nick Cave At the Smithsonian

 One image cannot begin to explain or describe the installations of Nick Cave’s work that currently occupy the top floor of the Smithsonian’s American Art Museum. At the end of a massive lighted platform, a group of his Soundsuits stand back to back to back like warriors from some mysterious culture. Look closely at their garb and marvel at the details: thousands of buttons sewn onto trousers and shoes, incongruous objects reworked into helmets. Examine the carefully displayed groupings spread out along the glowing platform and adjoining galleries. Ponder what it all might mean. I have no idea, but it’s marvelous and awe-inspiring, especially in the way that items with little intrinsic value have now become Art.

Redbud Petals

 The redbuds have begun to bloom, Their distinctive lavender-tinged petals forming a haze among the fresh green leaflets of all the other trees. As I approached one early bloomer, it almost looked like someone had laid a small rug out on the sidewalk right under the tree. The falling buds were scattered all over, converging in the cracks, mingling with tiny green leaves of violets that were trying to take root in those same cracks. It was a magical little composition, like a prettily wrapped birthday present. Here today, then blown away in the approaching rains and winds.

Cherry Blossoms

 The cherry trees bloomed this week. They are such a delicate pink. To create the right color for a painting, you would have to mix only one drop of red into a very large quantity of white. The Bradford pears, also blooming right now, offer a subtle comparison between their truly white blossoms and the palest pink possible of the cherry trees. It’s an ephemeral season; masses of fluffy blossoms on Monday, a snowstorm of petals on Thursday, then half-bare branches showing tiny leaflets on Saturday.