The shape of a tulip

“Three Purple Tulips”, © Jill Rosoff 2007, 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, $55.00

The thing about tulips is they look so orderly when they’re blooming, the stems standing straight up out of those long, lugubrious leaves.  Then at the end of the stem is that simple, dignified shape of the blossom.  The classic tulip shape.  Even the bulb is tulip-shaped.  And when the sun shines on them, or they are cut and placed in a vase of warm water, they open up, and the petals splay out wildly leaving the stamens standing up exposed to the elements.  Then they can close back up at night, returning to their iconic form.  I love that they have a wild side.

And from the “you just never know what’s around the next corner” files:

I was at an annual jaunt to the Hollywood Bowl with friends last Saturday, with the music of Tchaikovsky, fireworks to the 1812 Overture (of course) and another amazing potluck picnic.  At intermission dessert was served, and our friend Jayne brought out her incredible brownies, which usually garner attention of those sitting near us from the heavenly chocolatey aroma that wafts boldly out of the tupperware.  So we started talking to Rosie who was sitting next to us, who waxed prophetic over the brownie she got (lucky to sit where she did!), which she then shared with her boyfriend (who then proposed to Jayne).  Yes, they are an exceptionally great conversation starter.  We started talking, and it eventually led to Rosie’s asking me if I would participate in a fund raiser, which I’m happy to be doing!   Last Chance Events, run by Steve Lowe, is putting on a fashion show and live-auction on Sept. 19th at the White House Restaurant in  Anaheim, for the benefit of underprivileged & at-risk youth in Southern California through Caterina’s Girls Club and Mentor’s for Youth.  Guests of Honor: the Olympic Men’s Volleyball team.  I am in the middle of creating a painting just for this event, which, along with others will be featured in the auction.

For more information, go to:  http://www.LastChanceEvents.com and click on Events.

Clivia

“Clivia”, ©Jill Rosoff 2007, 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, framed, SOLD

These flowers are the richest orange color, with delicate paler orange in the inner part of the petal.  I just learned they’re also called Kaffir Lilies (what would we do without search engines?)  They grow a little like orchids, but they are from the amaryllis family.  I have 3 of these plants in my front garden thanks to Mom, who harvested the baby shoots off of hers and gave them to me. And while they usually bloom in the spring, its September, and mine are blooming now. Go figure.