With new eyes (or at least new lenses in them) I approached this painting with new vigor. Determined to get it done quickly (that’s a relative concept in my studio) I dug in and got it done in time to hopefully get it showing in at least one of the spring shows that are coming down the pike.

For inspiration I returned to my late summer garden when the nasturtiums take over, crawling over pathways and through tall stalks of zinnias. Their brilliant flowers and pea green foliage brightened my world both outside and in. Last summer, for some reason the golden yellows dominated early, the variegated and reds ones showed up later in the season.

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As I painted, the yellows sorted out quickly, the second following in line after the first. I had to start from scratch for the red and the little one with its network of reds, yellow and oranges both intimidated and delighted me.

It would certainly have been a very nice painting if all the flowers were the same. It might have been a little easier to paint. I wouldn’t have had to figure out how to achieve the red or exactly how the pattern laid out on the little variegated one.

As I painted, I listened to the news about the current fashion of dismantling programs that help create a fertile garden of understanding for all people, I wondered to myself, what it would be like if all my garden’s flowers were yellow or if I only planted the red, apricot and burgundy ones in the shade instead of the sun. My garden could still be glorious, impressive even. But at what cost? How would I even know that the little red ones were so brilliant, or how the red poured like river deltas? How would I ever know to appreciate their gifts?

It's said that nasturtiums have several medicinal benefits. Maybe some carry more antibiotic agents than another? Perhaps the red ones carry unique properties the others don’t? How would we ever know if they were not part of our world garden?

For my part, I’ll continue to look for a variety of things to plant in my garden and to inspire my work. I invite you to do the same in your own little way. Or big way.

Painting: Look For the Dawn © Lissa Banks 2025