The Jacaranda Tree

Like The Hidden Garden this is a view we came across after many visits to the gardens and given its beauty it's amazing we had never encountered it before. When I began painting it I never had a title which is unusual for me, and I felt slightly detached from it. But in a subsequent visit one of our Golden Retrievers, Sunshine, sat down under the shade of the beautiful tree and right by his side was a little sign declaring that this was a Jacaranda Tree. It became personal in that moment and it seemed a fitting title for a subject so beautiful. I loved the way the graceful branches of the tree stretched out like a protective canopy above the stunningly colourful flowers and the little stone bench offered a shady respite from the midday sun. It was a joy to paint.