86. Dandelion Wishes

10x10 oil/linen

 One of the things I consider when putting people in my landscapes is how to make the painting

"universal".  Unless it is a specific portrait of somebody, then I think figures need to represent

a life experience to which we can all relate.  

Many times you will notice I put such figures facing away, or otherwise not a straight on view of the face.. this also helps to "symbolize" something with the figure rather than portray an individual person.

This little girl making a wish and blowing the dandelion fluff is, to me, a rite of spring.. the dandelions seem to be just about the first thing that pops up in the yard. Haven't we all done this? Right now, our yard (if you can call it that since its mostly just a pine forest clearing) is full of beautiful yellow dandelion flowers and white seed pods.... Personally, I love them and am happy to let them grow.  I have a 'dandelion garden" behind the chicken coop where it is wetter and they grow large... the hens love them, and I go out and pick a handful of leaves for them every morning.