Hydrangea Orgy
July 8, 2016
Hydrangeas in blues
I don’t remember seeing hydrangeas when I was growing up in Minnesota, but here in the Pacific Northwest they flourish. I just love the range of colors they display, from purple to blue to pink and white. I took all of these photos yesterday when strolling through the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle.
Hydrangea bush on a Ballard street
I was in Ballard for a visit to the Nordic Heritage Museum to see an exhibit of photographs by Nathalia Edenmont, who works in Sweden. I was intrigued by her use of botanicals as garments, resulting in some unique fashion portraits. I laughed when I saw some hydrangeas in her photographs.
Deep in Thought, 2012 by Nathalia Edenmont, Force of Nature exhibit. Dress made with dried hydrangeas.
Consciousness, 2012 by Nathalia Edenmont, Force of Nature exhibit. Pink hydrangeas on shoulder strap.
Edenmont’s photos are weirdly wonderful — the poses are a tad dark or serious but the outfits are whimsical and colorful. Here are a few more:
Baby’s Breath, 2010 by Nathalia Edenmont
Saga, 2011 by Nathalia Edenmont
Cousin Red, 2014 by Nathalia Edenmont
Tasty, 2015 by Nathalia Edenmont
After enjoying my hydrangea morning, I think I’ll try my hand at painting hydrangeas for my next subject.
Watercolor sketch of hydrangea
Rosemary's Blog 
July 8, 2016 at 1:09 pm
your watercolour is a good counterpart to the poor budgies on the dress.
July 8, 2016 at 9:04 pm
I like your watercolor. Have you seen Brenda Swenson watercolor page on You Tube, Provence en Plein Air, about her latest watercolor class? Love those colors!
July 9, 2016 at 6:23 am
Yes, I like her work, too. She teaches at Daniel Smith in Seattle sometimes, but I have not taken her classes.
July 10, 2016 at 6:02 am
Love Love Love this artist and your own work all tied together!
July 16, 2016 at 12:18 pm
I came across your blog while searching Rainy Lake…and am taking a look at your latest – beautiful work with the watercolor! I grew up in the east and there were many hydrangeas, but because the soil is more acid there, they tend towards the violet hues. Here, they’re clear blue mostly, a color easterners were always trying to get by adding lime to the soil. The grass is always greener on the other side!
The Nordic Museum exhibit looks interesting – I haven’t been there yet –
July 8, 2018 at 6:15 am
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