DC is rightfully famous for our very special flowering cherry trees, “as a gift of friendship to the People of the United States from the People of Japan.” The world renowned collection bordering the Tidal Basin is packed with tourists every year in early spring. Check out the live webcam here.
And for me, it’s often the first plein aire painting session of the year. This year I was eager and organized by March 15, about the earliest we ever see them bloom. And, since I have an enthusiastic student who loves painting from the landscape, I was really ready to get out there. But the trees were not cooperating!
That’s what they’re supposed to do, but for weeks the have clung to their tight little buds, shivering in the long cold spring.
But FINALLY! We achieved blossoms and the pink clouds opened up, and the people and the bees were overjoyed.
And we made art.
Art, Spirit, Nature 
Gorgeous! You’re both so lucky to be working together! Here’s my Cherry Blossom Art: Haiku:
Tight against the cold,
Reluctant buds, sensing warmth,
Let loose clouds of pink.
What a delight!…the photo, the paintings, AND the Haiku! On our visit, we missed the blossoms blooming, but this is the next best thing!
I love it all! Love how the poetry goes with the paintings. Very satisfying!
And your student has a LOT of talent! Very cool.