Gratitude | New Painting in “Plant Mama” Collection | Magnolia Flowers

Here is “Gratitude,” the newest addition to my Plant Mama collection of paintings.

Gratitude. 18″ x 36″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2022 Cedar Lee

I started working on this painting in springtime. Here in Oregon, we have the most magnificent spring bloom I’ve ever seen.

Detail: Gratitude. 18″ x 36″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2022 Cedar Lee

For a few weeks of the year, I walk around with my jaw dropped in amazement at the variety of showy flowers all popping at once. It is one of those simple things that never ceases to fill my heart with wonder.

Detail: Gratitude. 18″ x 36″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2022 Cedar Lee

Among my favorite blooming trees and plants where I live are the magnolia trees. There are different varieties. The most incredible ones to me are the ones with enormous flowers, some of the petals more than six inches long!

Detail: Gratitude. 18″ x 36″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2022 Cedar Lee

Even if I am carrying some heaviness or sadness—and these past few years have held so much heaviness and sadness in the world—seeing a magnolia tree in full bloom always stops me in my tracks and makes me feel a deep and genuine gratitude.

Detail: Gratitude. 18″ x 36″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2022 Cedar Lee

Part of it is the gratitude of being privileged to get to see such a beautiful thing. You can feel this by dwelling on anything lovely in nature. But this feeling is magnified by the fact that I know the blooming is so fleeting.

Detail: Gratitude. 18″ x 36″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2022 Cedar Lee

It will be at its peak for only a few days, and before you know it, all the petals will drop to the ground and it will be over.

Gratitude. 18″ x 36″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2022 Cedar Lee

This painting is my illustration of that emotion.

Detail: Gratitude. 18″ x 36″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2022 Cedar Lee

On the topic of having a gratitude practice: I am on a streak of 850+ days using a gratitude journal app called Presently. I recommend it! It is not a solution to any problems, but I have found that consistently compelling myself to think of something I’m grateful for every single day is a gentle way to keep perspective through the ups and downs of life.

Gratitude. 18″ x 36″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2022 Cedar Lee

Contact me if you are interested in the original or a print of this painting!

Artist with painting: Gratitude. 18″ x 36″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2022 Cedar Lee

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