The Pink Ladies Beckon, “Come, Sit Down and Rest.” is inspired by a couple of things. The title of the painting refers to Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree, a favourite children’s story of a tree’s lifelong selfless devotion to her beloved boy. I think the tale alludes to earth, our life-sustaining home, which gives of itself and supports us all.

The town where I live is home to many flowering crab trees which erupt in gorgeous pink blooms at this time of year. They are so abundantly pretty, so spectacular. Their finery appears as though they are dressed up for a special occasion. I like to think they are decked out to celebrate spring, or perhaps to draw our attention — so we will notice life is cyclical, that after a period of decline, is another of growth. I began thinking of these trees as the “Pink Ladies.” Last year, I caught them “dancing” on a particularly windy day.

Last year, a line of these trees protectively curled over a park bench along the main road running through our town. They seemed to invite one to sit under their care, to pause, to enjoy the fineness of a spring day. The Pink Ladies beckoned, “Come, sit down and rest.” This is one of several new additions to my Be in This Place series, a body of work accompanied by simple verse which celebrates the comfort to be found in being fully present to the world, rather than to our thoughts that life isn’t going as planned. More works in this series may be found here.

When my heart is heavy, and sorrow is near
Solace arrives in beautiful blooms, they melt all my fear.
Under the grace of their branches, my troubles erase
Everything's going to be alright. When I just be, in this place.

This painting will appear alongside the work of many talented regional artists at the RNS 33rd Annual Art Show & Sale, taking place both online and in person June 9-11, 2022. Join the Pink Ladies in celebrating spring. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, through the eyes of an artist.