I’m so excited to share that my first listing is up in my Magic Turtle Studios Etsy Shop! Sunflower and Bumble Bee is a favorite in my collection and I’m so happy to make it available to you.
One of my favorite things about living in the this part of North Carolina is the greenery along the freeways. After a lifetime of concrete walls lining the interstates, I quickly came to appreciate the thickets of trees lining I-40 and the I-440 Beltline, along with little surprise patches of wildflowers here and there, adding delightful swatches of color to counterbalance the pavement.
One mid-summer morning, I nearly wrecked my Subaru getting on the freeway when I saw a patch of sunflowers saluting the sun next to the onramp to I-40. It was an unexpected gift that made the milky morning sunlight and (already) hot, thick air feel almost tolerable.
We’re also treated to a full field of sunflowers at Dorothea Dix Park annually. This was my second summer in North Carolina, so I was prepared to deal with the oppressive heat and humidity (even early in the morning). Drawing on my experience shooting professional soccer games, I arrived with my extra-large water bottle, SPF 50 sunscreen, and bug repellant. And, of course, my camera gear!
The more popular sections were lined with plein air painters, working quickly to capture the scenery on their canvas or paper before it became unbearably hot (though some of the artists brought umbrellas for shade to buy themselves a little extra outdoor time). It was a joy to see how this giant field of sunflowers brought out the creative and playful side of kids and grown-ups alike!
Every year I promise myself I’ll go over there again. Yet, I have made it there a grand total of…once. Sigh; maybe this year.
I will be offering Sunflower and Bumble Bee in 12″x12″, 16″x16″, and 20″x20″ fine art and photo prints. These are professionally printed at White House Custom Colour .
This is a great piece of wall art for a room or a corner that you want to add brightness and a nice pop of color to. In these cold, dark, uncertain times, it’s nice to have a reminder of brighter days.
