Greetings!~
It has been the most audaciously stormy few days here. Last night the clouds rolled back in after a lull of blue and it was the most amazing sight. The clouds were like a pool of black ink seeping across the sky, it was the most foreboding sight. I was so glad to be tucked in safe in warm in my tiny little house.
And while the days have been full of rain and rolling thunder and waking up slowly to a green spring, I’ve been studying up on traditional folk art style motifs. That is what ‘Johanna’ (now available on etsy) was born out of. I have always been drawn to the rich decorative painting and embroidery of many of the European cultures. From Swedish to Russian (both currently feeding multiple obsessions! You’ll see!) I think they are so interesting and so lovely.
This painting was really a practice at doing a more complicated floral pattern and I used it to frame the figure of the girl Johanna in a nondescript traditional dress. I didn’t have a particular country in mind from which she would hail– I think the look and costume will probably fit with several different heritages from around Europe, and perhaps she’ll speak to you in some way?
I love the deep salmon color of the flowers, which is actually a color called ‘Georgia Clay.’ But mixed and highlighted with pink, it takes a more salmon tone.
I’m not sure what Johanna’s story is, but I’m sure its a fascinating one. From where do you think she comes from? Maybe she’ll tell you 🙂
Til next time,
~H
Sleightholm Folk Art 
She is gorgeous! She reminds me of Heidi. 🙂
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i've been thinking about my family in germany so i think she may be from there ;)she looks great 🙂
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Oh, I love this painting!! To me, Johanna embodies that folkish mystery of beauty all wrapped up in brillant color. She is quite lovely! And I love those salmon colored flowers too. Such a rich and gorgeous color for her blond hair!
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I love this one. I love the floral patterns in the background and on her dress.
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The flowers are beautiful and I agree, she does resemble Heidi, very pretty. 🙂
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Oh she is quite lovely. For me, she comes from Poland and is wearing red dancing boots as well!
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Love her dress! I want a dirndl of my own some day. :-)It's been raining nonstop here, too. It's been so gloomy! I'm looking forward to sunshine–just as long as it doesn't get hot.
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She is very lovely and sweet. I love the braid in her hair and her dress! The flowers around her are the perfect touch!
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This girl is gorgeous and I have a dress quite similar to hers too, love her!!
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Thank you so much, Natasha! 😀
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Andrea- she very well could be a German girl! I have a bit of German in my family as well, far back.
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Thank you Winnie! I'm liking the look of salmon colored flowers. I have a big rose bush with salmony-orange blossoms and I'm eager to see it blossom this spring!
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THanks, Lucy! Glad you like it!~~
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Thanks Kelsey! It seems everyone is getting a German vibe! hehe 😀
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Natalie Jo— Oh, I like the idea of the red boots!
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Thanks Lauren! I know what you mean about the rain and then heat. Im glad its still relatively cool or it would be a steaming swamp out here!
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Thanks Judy! I love floral motifs 🙂
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The Secret Hermit– Oh! How lovely to have a dress like this!
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She is gorgeous! I love all of the rich colors 🙂 ~Lauren
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Audrey i have not remembered to tell you before that i am living in a village (in border of Russia), where Nikolai II and his family liked to visit in summer times. This was a dear place to them, and his secret last visit in here was 1914. here is one of the photographs taken from Nikolai in Virolahti…http://www.jukkajoutsi.com/alan201.jpg
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This is so incredibly stunning, and oddly nostalgic. She reminds me a touch of Heidi. I sort of imagine her, a lovely fair maiden living in the mountains alone with her animals. Forgive me, it's just what I envision. I also feel like she'd yodel? Haha! Anyway, she is so pretty!
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