The Creative Life - Barbara Trovillo

Peaches in Bloom

I am currently possessed by an obsession.

Each year, I visit the orchard near me and make a painting of the trees when the blossoms have opened. The area in which this orchard is located is in the Blue Ridge Mountains of central Virginia. It is truly one of the most beautiful places you will ever see! The trees are so gracefully formed, their branches elegantly posed. There is an elusive beauty that I continue to try to capture. 

                                                                     Peaches in Bloom 2023

Usually, I can be satisfied with doing one painting of a scene. So far, this year, I have done two versions of the trees. You would think that would be enough. It seems not. I feel compelled to do at least one more. The painting at the top of this post was done in 2022. It is my favorite version of the subject. The two below were done this year. 

This has aroused my curiosity about other artists who have painted the same subject multiple times. Apparently, it is not that unusual a phenomenon. Van Gogh painted at least 87 versions of Sunflowers, Rembrandt created approximately 100 self portraits, and Monet painted in excess of 250 paintings of Water Lilies! I am certain there are many more examples of artists obsessed with a particular place or subject. 

As for me, the cradled wood panel is primed and waiting. This next piece will be of one tree by itself. Maybe then, I can leave the blossoms behind until next year, but only time will tell.

Happy Creating! Barbara