#2666 "Dandy Bouquet"

#2666 "Dandy Bouquet"
20x16 inches oils

The best way to not overwork a canvas is to grab another canvas and set the first aside - at least for a while. The bugs were ferocious outside so it had to be a Studio canvas. The painting that needed to be set aside for a while was #2665 "Happy Day Sunflowers"

I had this idea about a dandelion still life for a while. I always tend to paint flowers in the late spring and summer when the outside, biting bugs are bad. Of course, the mosquitoes are just doing what their biology tells them to do. I picked a Mason bottle and some dandelions and put a light on the subject matter. 

I collected these dandelions from around the property. These particular dandelions were outside the garage door of our Singleton Home overlooking the field to the east. I kept having to pick more dandelion flowers and leaves until this canvas was done. I had fun painting the ragged leaves which gives the plant its English name from the French "dent de lion" or lion's tooth. Apparently the French common name is "pis en lit" which means " pee the bed" and originates from the diuretic action of the roots. 

Even dandelions are safe in the Singleton Sanctuary. They provide early pollen for the insects but they can also be delicious. The Latin name for "dandelion" is taraxicum officinale which apparently means "the official remedy for disorders." The dandelion has many health benefits which include being good for the liver, assisting with inflammation, alleviating kidney and bladder stones and as a poultice for boils. Dandelion greens are best in early spring. Fresh roots can be peeled, thinly sliced, and sautéed. 

For this and much more art, click on Pixels. Thank you.