Cyclamen Paintings Past and Present

18 Feb

Cyclamen with their backswept petals and patterned leaves are a joy to paint. I’ve been painting them for many years! Here is an early one that I still have at least 22 years old and hanging in my cottage.

To me I they look like birds, trying to leave the nest. That is what I wanted to do.

The next example I have is from when I did leave my own nest…my Malmesbury cottage. Just after my twins left to go to university, I had a vague plan of 12 months of travelling and painting, fully intending to return to Malmesbury afterwards…but I didn’t for 18 years! Part of that time I spent on the Isle of Skye in the winter of 2006 I think. I rented a cottage in the village of Staffin and painted in a room at the village shop/hall it worked well…except I had to clear up for youth club on a Friday night! Here is a painting from then. It’s called Skye Windowsill. I’m so pleased to see it again and find its not very far from me in a beautiful Cotswold home along with some of my meadow pieces. I’m so grateful to the owners for getting in touch.

Meaning of Cyclamen

In the language of flowers cyclamen is considered a plant of lasting feelings and sincere affection. Also a plant for good luck.

I’ve been painting cyclamen this winter. They have brought me a lot of joy and peace. My attention has moved from the bird like flowers to the beautiful nest of the patterned leaves. These are the new small paintings all on gessoed panels with acrylic, ink, metal leaf and pencil.