June = peonies and nectarines

Peonies in a Victorian jug 

Black marker on bond paper

12 x 14 inches

Barbara Muir © 

We should tell ourselves this in January or February
when it feels like winter will never end.  June will
come in Canada -- and with it the most beautiful
flowers -- peonies, and one of the most delicious
fruits -- nectarines.

For artists there is the extra thrill of trying to paint
these beauties before they disappear for another
year.  Our kitchen has been filled with peonies
given to us by our neighbours for the past two
weeks.  How exquisite.

And in a deep blue bowl on the counter there
have been nectarines. It has been one of the busiest
months of my life, with teaching online, and
overlapping courses.  But there have been these
lovely pleasures -- the gorgeous days outside, and
a feeling of infinite abundance in the kitchen.

I love peonies.  And I love this image I found
working on drawing them in line. This was
in preparation for a painting, that I've shown
you before, and I'll show you again another
day.

Meanwhile, July is coming, and so much
work is heating up.  I went to the art store today
for the first time since March.  Masks, hand sanitizer,
masks, and on me gloves and a mask. And what a delight
to talk to some of the people there who I have
missed in the past four months.  More to come.