Bonnie M. Hodges
Watercolor and Gouache
15" x 13"
In a quiet town nestled between rolling hills and Puget Sound, artist Bonnie Hodges finds inspiration in her small, sunlit studio. Among her many paintings, one piece stands out—a new picture of a pink clematis, painted with watercolor and gouache.
The clematis is traditionally associated with ingenuity, mental beauty, and artistic creativity. Its climbing nature and ability to thrive on support symbolize the need for connection and interdependence, as well as perseverance and resourcefulness.
The clematis holds special meaning for Bonnie. Her grandmother, Lottie Mae, nurtured a sprawling clematis vine in her garden. Every spring, Lottie Mae’s vine would burst into blossoms, its flowers cascading like pink stars against the wooden trellis. As a child, Bonnie spent countless afternoons in that garden, sketching and dreaming while her grandmother shared family stories from distant times. When Lottie Mae passed away, Bonnie received a small packet of seeds from her garden.
Bonnie planted the seeds near her studio to keep her grandmother's memory alive. To her delight, a clematis vine quickly took root and began to climb. When it bloomed, the flowers looked just as she remembered from her childhood. She often sat in the garden, sketchbook in hand, feeling Lottie Mae's presence in the soft rustle of the leaves. The clematis became not only a source of inspiration, but also a living reminder of nostalgic summers spent in her grandmother's garden.
Bonnie decided to immortalize the clematis in her art, pouring her grief, love, and memories into the painting. Over the weeks, she channeled her connection to Lottie Mae into the delicate curves and vibrant hues of the flower. The painting captures the essence of the clematis, its petals a harmonious blend of soft blush and vibrant magenta, tinged with hints of sunlight. Bonnie poured her heart into every brushstroke, layering translucent watercolors to achieve the ethereal glow of the clematis and using gouache to add texture and depth to the velvety petals. The green vines twist gracefully, telling a story of resilience as they reach for the sun. The painting has become a testament to the power of art to preserve cherished memories and connect generations.
