#2784 "Lance-leaved Aster"

#2784 "Lance-leaved Aster"
6x4 inches oils on canvas

It was the first day of Summer 2023. Summer began with the solstice at 10:58 A.M. EDT on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 marking the astronomical first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. I started painting this white aster shortly after noon.

After completing #2783 "Summer Solstice Jim Day Rapids" I simply turned to look down at this clump of flowers under the field easel. I had a small panel that needed to be painted. These tiny white flowers are everywhere throughout the Singleton Sanctuary and they are native to North America. They resemble small daisies and I thought capturing them en plein air without getting detailed would be a challenge. A lone, authentic daisy was mixed into the group, which I also included in the fun composition. The birds and the bees seem to enjoy these flowers. 

Plein Air Painters Thousand Islands Region (PAPTIR) started by my friend Robert P. Hedden.
 Lance-leaved asters were everywhere around where we painted.

Symphyotrichum lanceolatum is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae native to North America. Common names include panicled aster, lance-leaved aster, and white panicled aster. It is a perennial, herbaceous plant that may reach 1.5 meters tall or more. 

The lance-shaped leaves are generally hairless but may feel slightly rough to the touch on the top because of tiny bristles. The flowers grow in clusters and branch in panicles. They have 16–50 white ray florets that are up to 14 millimeters (1⁄2 inch) long and sometimes tinged pink or purple. The flower centers consist of disk florets that begin as yellow and become purple as they mature. 

For this and much more art, click on Pixels or go right to the Flowers Collection..

Warmest regards and keep your paddle in the water,

Phil Chadwick