Barren and bare - Maree

W&N watercolour in hand-crafted sketchbook with linen satin-finish paper

Here in South Africa most of the landscape is still barren and bare after winter's onslaught, but Spring is making a concerted effort to show herself - her reign is normally short-lived, quickly being ousted by Summer's determination to make the most of the months ahead until Autumn has her turn again.

The garden like a lady fair was cut 
That lay as if she slumbered in delight, 
And to the open skies her eyes did shut; 
The azure fields of heaven were 'sembled right 
In a large round set with flow'rs of light: 
The flowers de luce and the round sparks of dew 
That hung upon their azure leaves, did show 
Like twinkling stars that sparkle in the ev'ning blue.
 ~ Giles Fletcher

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