Creating “Neighborhood Nasturtiums” started as a cozy experience at my corner desk, custom-built by my fiancé. Beside me, lit by sunlight, a generous bucketful of nasturtium cuttings filled the room with a green, floral smell that became richer and richer with nectar as the days passed and more buds opened. The process felt like a gift that I gave to myself. I especially enjoyed sculpting the lily pad-like leaves of the plant (out of paper).

The next step is applying paint. My new home is small, so I set up a temporary outdoor studio at my parents’ house. Using rolling carts, I move everything I need from my childhood bedroom to a large balcony. It’s beautiful to look over the neighborhood where I grew up while I paint.

This painting came together effortlessly. While some pieces challenge me, “Neighborhood Nasturtiums” made sense from start to finish. The only tricky part was getting the green just right. I had nasturtium cuttings on the balcony railing and would dab paint directly on the leaves to color match. It was a delightful and immersive process.

I cherish nasturtiums. They grow at my first adult apartment, just eight houses away from where I now live. Having been in the same neighborhood for ten years, these vibrant blooms are a comforting symbol of home for me, wherever I find them.

Thank you for following along and supporting my art journey. Your encouragement means the world to me.

Neighborhood Nasturtiums
13 x 13 inches
Acrylic, paper

On display now :

Southwestern Artists Association
Studio 23, 1770 Village Place
Balboa Park
San Diego CA 92101