Residency at The Serge Hill Project

Visit 1.  On one of the first truly sunny days of spring, March 5, I had the blissful experience of capturing a perfect cluster of Iris reticulata in bloom at the Serge Hill Project. Each delicate flower reached skyward, its flags and falls glowing as the morning sun filtered through. Around them, the tender green shoots of soon-to-emerge plants pushed up tentatively, sensing the warmth of the season’s change. This Iris reticulata—a miraculous blue-purple with vivid yellow centers—stood out in striking contrast to the earthy tones of early spring. I used handmade Mitsumata paper from Awagami and Kozo from Kashikiseishi, precious materials gathered during my travels to Shikoku, Japan last year.

Visit 2.  My second visit to The Serge Hill Project was on a blustery but beautiful April 2nd.

I painted the beguiling blue Anemone Coronaria 'Mr Fokker' dancing in the wind.  The common name for Anemone is windflower.  While painting pleinair I understood through observation that the silky petals and lacy leaves of this plant are perfectly adapted to wind.

A visiting group of primarty school children added their excitement, energy and joy as they explored the plants for an environmental project.  They alerted me to the other common name for this flower which is Poppy Anemone.

The tiny Tulipa humilis Odalisque filled me with wonder and delight.  I love the bright yellow circle centres, the delicate vertical stems and the low to the ground curvy leaves.  A graphic gift!

Another inspiring day in this warm and generous place.