I heard on TV yesterday that spring is a month away. What?

During our pandemic lockdowns, time has taken on this new characteristic of seeming to move simultaneously at a snail’s pace AND like a rocket. It’s a bit discombobulating! But hearing this bit of news instantly provided a lift to the day.

I remember last spring the world was reeling from so many hurts and losses, and as I often do, I escaped some of this pain by painting a cheerful subject. The subject was of a springtime tradition we’d undertaken each year, visiting nearby Niagara On The Lake to see the multitude of tulips along Queen Street.  In spring 2020, out-of-town visitors were told not to come due to the pandemic, and so we didn’t.

When I finished this particular miniature last May, I tried to write a blog story about this lovely scene, but each version (and there were many) felt “off” considering the times. And I felt off, too. So I chose not to write about it at all.

A year later, I am finding reasons to be more hopeful about this coming spring. How about you? There is still a long way to go as our world heals, and who knows if we’ll be given the all-clear to freely resume traditions like visiting friends, family or Niagara On The Lake for the tulips.

But I do feel like my heart is allowing me to, once again, post a story and painting about nothing more than an appreciation of beautiful flowers – a sign of renewal, a sign of spring.

Springtime In Niagara

2.5″ x 3.5″ ink and watercolour

(For purchasing info about this original miniature, click here.