Wednesday 11 May 2022

Tulip Time - National Trust


The National Trust

Inspiration for paintings - April/Early May



April and Early May is definitely "Tulip Time" at the Somerset National Trust properties.  I couldn't begin to guess the time is must have taken to plant all these bulbs!

The colours are vibrant and amazing, particularly if you catch them in full sunshine.  We joined the National Trust a few weeks ago and so far have visited Lytes Cary, Montecute (both Somerset) and Trelissick near Truro in Cornwall - which I'll cover on another blog.

The inspiration for my watercolour tulips came from the cafe area in Lytes Cary where the pots were full of purple tulips.  The coffee and flapjack aren't too bad either! :).   There are a number of lovely walks around the grounds in Lytes Cary - one takes you around the fields, across a little bridge over a river and loops back round to the house.  We saw a Yellow Hammer bird (apparently!).  It was pretty and the first time I'd seen one.  I'm sure, on a quiet day, you could sit near the water's edge and see lots of wildlife activity.

So, thoroughly inspired by the colours of the tulips, I came home to paint with lots of lovely pinks and purples. Watercolour is ideal for capturing flowers - by allowing the paint to flow, you can get the effect of them moving in the breeze.  

"True Love Ways" (Sold)
Original Watercolour











 

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Tulip Time - National Trust