More ideas from the Flower Show producer...
​

​What should I paint for the 2022 Flower Show?
 
Are you running out of time to start your entry for the 2022 flower show exhibit?  Can’t think of where you can find something that meets the prospectus requirement of having a blossom and the usable part of the plant?  You are in luck!  Spring has sprung and there are options all around.  Or perhaps you already have a piece that "sort of" works, but you are not sure.  Again, no problems.  With the arrival of spring, there are many things in plain view that are good specimens for the flower show.  Remember, you don’t need to use the same specimen for all aspects of your painting.

Look at your lawn: Dandelions are blooming. They were introduced by European settlers as a source of vitamin C.  Their leaves are still used in salads and wine.  There are more “weeds” that will fit the bill for this show.  For more ideas visit Wilderness School Awareness: https://www.wildernessawareness.org/articles/edible-weeds-herbal-medicine-chest-in-your-back-yard.

Want to paint a vegetable?  The big box stores are putting out their plants now. Get the plant with buds, then check your grocery store for the fruit or vegetable.

Maybe fruit and nuts are more your thing.  Cherries and apples are in their bloom time and so are many nuts.  Walk the neighborhood for the flower specimen and check your grocery store for the fruit or nut. (You may be lucky enough to find some acorns that the squirrels didn’t get which get you that oak flower.)

Look in your painting archives. Have a painting of a flower that might work? See if it has a place on our table.  One source to check is the Gardening Channel https://www.gardeningchannel.com/list-of-edible-flowers-a-z/. Or, research a plant you have painted in depth.  You may be surprised to learn a historical use that will work.

Finally, if the relationship between your painting and its human use for food or health isn’t obvious, USE THE DESCRIPTION PORTION OF YOUR ENTRY to help the judges understand.  Don’t tell them it is a watercolor of a plant. That information is included within your entry and they will see it. TELL THEM INSTEAD HOW YOUR SUBJECT IS USED.
 
Let’s have some unique approaches that will help our viewers learn more about us and the plants we depend upon. As always, if you have any questions contact:
 
Carol Ashton-Hergenhan ([email protected])