Rue-anemone (Thalictrum thalictroides) is a classic spring blooming herbaceous perennial, which is native to the woodlands of eastern North America. In early spring, this delicate looking plant pops up in beautiful patches, as it pokes through decaying leaves from season’s past. It is hard not to notice this gem as one walks in the woods. It later occurred to me that Rue-anemone (Thalictrum thalictroides) is not the only early spring plant that looks the way it does.

In fact, at this point, I believe that the photo I used to paint this plant is actually False Rue Anemone (Isopyrum biternatum) because it tends have white flowers, unlike the typically pinkish sepals of Rue-anemone. Both species are true spring ephemerals as they fade away in the summer. Either way, the delicate beauty of this plant (and it’s lookalike) made its way into my day dreams of early spring wildflowers, during what has been, a cold and icy winter so far. But, I am not complaining. I like it when winter feels like winter in eastern North America.

Here are some photos of the painting process. I used masking fluid to save the whites of the flowers, while I paint over everything else.

This painting is available on my Etsy shop