The mature hawthorn hedge forms the boundary of the garden. From the lime green spattering of leaf buds in March to the berry harvest of autumn the hedge feeds and houses many birds that I see as well as smaller creatures that I don’t.
While the hedge contains sycamore, ivy, holly, dog roses and honeysuckle the crowning moment is when the hawthorn or ‘May’ flowers. Growing up in the countryside I have often heard hawthorn referred to as ‘May’, hence the title of my work.
The painting was begun in situ and completed in the studio. I hoped to capture the light, colour and sunlit atmosphere while celebrating the hawthorn on this day in May.