SOLD – 1 April Showers

SOLD “1 April Showers” by Molly Ovenden

Original. Acrylic on Card. Unframed. Part of the “Scrapings” Collection.

Approximate Dimensions:
7.5 inches x 9.5 inches
3 inches x 3 inches (each square “scraping”)

How did it get its title?
When I look at this painting, I see the ugly remnants of Minnesota winters–all of the grit, salt, gravel, and collection of random stuff that’s abandoned in snowbanks till spring. I see the giant piles of snow remaining on the end of the driveway next to the spring flowers which have begun blooming and the green grass waking up from its frozen hibernation.

What do I love out this piece?
I love the variety of pink textures, the way the yellow pushes through the darker colors, and how the negative space creates a hush of color that feels clean, like the yet-untouched snow from one of the last “winter weather advisory” days of the season alongside the first spring rains that melt the remaining snow, exposing what happened in the winter. There’s so much color and movement in this piece–it feels like the excitement of finally not being cooped up in your house after months of sub-zero and unending snowfall.

One more thing…
(Here’s a little something I wrote, inspired by this piece.)

“1 April Showers”
By: Molly Ovenden

Snowy creatures blink awake:
Yawning smiles, well-rested,
A surge of growth, quenching hunger,
Long-awaited satiation…

Rainy mornings cleanse heartache:
Glistening tear drops, cried out,
A breath renewed, satisfying sorrow,
Restoration crawls through soul soil…

Expectant seeds bursting to proliferate:
Blossoming brightness, honeybee life,
A frenzy of singing electric green,
Hallelujahs of relief from cold winter’s sneeze…

Grey melt water and grit remain:
Washing away winter’s tired gaze,
A streak of colorful clarity for peace,
Snowy life melts and still truth exposed…

The first of April’s showers reveal:
Hidden life beneath the ground,
A bud erupting in celebration sound,
Blankets of hope in posies disrupt stagnation…

And, in the quiet pitter-patter of rain,
My soul stretches in joy to breathe again!