Jesus said some difficult things here is just one: ” You have heard love your neighbour and hate your enemy, but I say love your enemies and bless those who curse you!”
A challenge ! Where does one start?
I looked at the formal roses, then at the white jug of tulips and the picked narcissus from the garden. Could they be together in one container and make for something special?
I then read about Rachel Ruysch 1664 – 1750.
Here is a little of what I found out. She was born in the Hague, the daughter of the scientist Fredrik Ruysch, with her grandfather on her mother’s side, the architect Pieter Post. At a young age, she began to paint the flowers and insects of her father’s collection and later studied painting with van Aelst until his death in 1683. Besides painting technique, he also taught her how to arrange a bouquet in a vase so it would look spontaneous and less formalised. This technique produced a more realistic and three – dimensional effect in her painting.
Rachel Ruysch married the Amsterdam painter Juriaen Pool in 1693 and, over the years, had ten children. Her paintings sold for large sums, so that two a year were plenty to bring in help with the children. Her husband recognised her ability and celebrated it by painting a portrait of them with her in front of her easel.
So, back to these flowers. I didn’t put them together loosely, but I was surprised by them.
I let the narcissus from the garden stand in water all night. It is advisable to do this if you put them with other flowers.
I now went to the garden, picked a cardoon leaf, some daffidol leaves, and three olive tree twigs, and with a changed shape of vase, the arrangement is different .
But would I try and paint it?
I will have a go for fun when time permits.
This is what the narcissus growing in the grass at Wiseley looked like this weekend.
If you would like to know more about Rachel Ruysch 1664-1750 and see her paintings press on her name.
Take care,
Sandy 🙂
Ps
‘Ultimately, it is the simple things that make a difference.’
Chris Smalling.
Thank you, that was so interesting getting to know Rachel Ruysch. So inspiring. I also agree about Jesus’s words. That is a challenge. A real challenge sometimes. I hope you are well. 💝🪻🪻
I hope you got my long message.🤗
She was so interesting, there is so much more. We are well, thank you, after coughs and colds. Continue to keep safe and warm this icy air even when it is sunny really cuts. 🤗
Thank you, I have just seen this. I will have a look into her life more deeply. I have been looking at Hildegard Von Bingem’s life. Also a brilliant woman of her time, mostly to do with music. I am glad you are well now. I am enjoying the warmer weather, may you be blessed in this season before Easter. X
Same for you, Morag
Thank you 💟🙏
I nominated your blog for Sunshine Blogger on my last post:)
How amazingly kind! Thank you! To be nominated by you ,is wonderful !
🙂
Beautifully arranged flowers and colors! The variety works wonderful too. 💚🧡💛🧡💚