Spring Flowers Inspire Watercolor Artists

Sunday May 17 was a perfect spring morning for Ronna Fujisawa’s 5th Free Plein Air Watercolor Class in the Baltimore Woods Lower Meadow. The purple/lavender patch of lupine, the yellow and rosy hues of the meadow grasses, the cloudy deep blue sky, singing songbirds, 50 shades of green…all the necessary elements were visible to inspire one to create art. About a dozen participants took advantage of this free plein air class.

The beautiful purple flowers of native Riverbank lupine, Lupinus rivularis, and Large-Leaved lupine, Lupinus polyphyllus are common to Oregon in spring. They are both nitrogen fixing perennials which means their roots help to transfer nitrogen from the atmosphere into the soil year after year. Nitrogen is an important element for protein synthesis and plant growth. The showy lavender flowers provide nectar to hummingbirds, adult butterflies, bumble bees and other insect pollinators. The bushy plant attracts and supports beneficial pest eating insects and is a larval food source for native butterflies and moths. Native lupine is drought tolerant and a soil stabilizer; a perfect addition to pollinator gardens, meadowscapes and rock gardens. Lupines can thrive in full sun or part shade and are available to purchase at Sparrowhawk Native Plants during their spring and fall pop-up sales, or Sauvie Island Natives all year round. Interestingly, the lupine that grows in the lower meadow of Baltimore Woods could be Lupinus polyphyllus or a domestic hybrid. It’s true identity is still to be determined.

Come for a hike in the Baltimore Woods Natural Area before the summer days get too hot. You may be inspired to bring your own binoculars, a folding chair and art supplies. There are plenty of places to linger and create. Or you may just want to sit for awhile to soak up the sounds of wind in the cottonwoods, the bird songs, the peace and beauty of this marvelous pocket of natural space in North Portland. You can find and sign up for Ronna Fujisawa’s nature based watercolor classes at Salty Water Art