Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Extrememly early season in the Skagit Valley

 
I painted at this field of daffodils near the Tulip Valley Vineyard and Orchard in Mt Vernon this morning. 
The Skagit Valley farmers are anxiously awaiting the tulip bloom, concerned that it will be over by the time of the official start of the annual Tulip Festival, usually on the first of April.

I spoke to the owner of the winery, who said some events have now been moved up two weeks early.

Friday March 20, Update: Field #1 at Roozengarde has red tulips in bloom today.

6 comments:

  1. Spectacular painting, Michele! And it sounds like I'd better get out to the fields pronto!

    - Tina

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    1. Thanks, Tina. It's hard to get a grasp on the fields this year. The daffodils are usually gone by the time the tulips start. Weekends are probably going to be busier than usual with locals eager not to miss this in the next two or three weeks.

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  2. Love your painting. Actually love all your work and should comment more often. Looks like I shall have to make the drive up very soon. I should have known as my magnolia trees are blooming and my daffs are about done here in North Bend. Thanks for the heads up.

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    1. Thanks so much, Sharon, for taking the time to comment. I love the interaction, knowing that my posts are being viewed and appreciated.

      Don't let the rain deter you from visiting the flower fields. I find that to be the easiest time to avoid crowds and the colors are magnified by the tiny lenses of raindrops.

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  3. It looks lovely in your painting with all the yellow flowers leading to the winery! Glad you were there before the peak time was over.

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    1. Thank you, Joan. I have been visiting the Skagit Valley for decades at tulip time and it never ceases to amaze me. It's one of the most exhilarating places to paint. :)

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