The first blossom to appear on the trees in February reminds me that spring will soon be here. Every year I feel a little down during the long, dark days of winter and so throughout January and February I look forward to seeing the first blossom come out on the trees in the orchard. It so lifts my heart to see.

In this series of paintings I am trying to create a harmony between the fresh, exuberant vitality of the blossom, the elation I feel within on seeing it, and an energetic, gestural handling of the paint. I call this series of paintings “O how my heart is lifted!” Read less