Hydrangeas are one of those subjects that I seem to keep returning to, but luckily they are one of my most popular themes. I'm nuts about hydrangeas- for a lot of reasons...first of all they are blue. Secondly they are also lime green! Hydrangeas are easy to scan and both the bloom and foliage are photogenic. Best of all hydrangeas change color throughout the summer, fall and winter. Plus they can be preserved at any stage to scan as off-season subject matter. In a chilly winter scene the crispy umber twigs and arching flower heads bob under a mantel of snow. Potted and cut hothouse hydrangeas are never out of season in the floral department.
I have many bouquets of just hydrangeas in every possible color. Then I have more arrangements of hydrangeas with seasonal specimens. There are so many different types of hydrangeas yet to scan. I can't forsee running out of ideas anytime soon. Especially since I keep planting more and more in my yard!
My hydrangea designs include this motif on the traditional studio black background, the lighter "plein air" backgrounds, faux botanical print "plates" and horizontal mural designs. Like the milkweed motifs, there is seemingly no end to the design possibilities.
"Green Wings" plein air 2007
"Six Little Green Pears"
"Pink Dusk" plein air 2007
Pastel shades wall mural
"Grasshopper & Quince" 2008
Pastel Bouquet
"Golden Hydrangea Trio"
Hydrangeas make particularly beautiful card motifs and are especially nice for invitations. Visit other garden pages for more hydrangeas: Plein air (blue and light backgrounds) Fall motifs (Fall Still life with Bugs, Berry-Go-Round, Beauty Berry) Holiday motifs (Golden Winterberry, Red Peegee)
