Wild Rhododendron

By Artbycedar

This 24″ x 30″ oil painting is called “Wild Rhododendron.”

Wild Rhododendron. 24″ x 30″, Oil on Canvas, © 2020 Cedar Lee

I came upon this peacefully glowing scene recently while exploring in the woods not too far from my home in Oregon.

Wild Rhododendron. 24″ x 30″, Oil on Canvas, © 2020 Cedar Lee

The intense light of the sun bursting towards us between the two large trees illuminates the foliage in the foreground.

Wild Rhododendron. 24″ x 30″, Oil on Canvas, © 2020 Cedar Lee

The leaves of the wild rhododendron growing there on the forest floor are soaking up the rays of the sun, some of the leaves glowing all the way through with bright white light.

Detail: Wild Rhododendron. 24″ x 30″, Oil on Canvas, © 2020 Cedar Lee

The forest fills the background with hazy nebulous tree shapes. The glowing light fills all the space. Hints of gold among the branches indicate moss and lichen glittering with sunlight.

Detail: Wild Rhododendron. 24″ x 30″, Oil on Canvas, © 2020 Cedar Lee

The indistinct underbrush in the shadows emerges from the dark earth, little sticks and branches criss-crossing and tangling.

Detail: Wild Rhododendron. 24″ x 30″, Oil on Canvas, © 2020 Cedar Lee

All this plant life exists simply, contentedly growing right where it was planted, kissed by the sun.

Detail: Wild Rhododendron. 24″ x 30″, Oil on Canvas, © 2020 Cedar Lee

This warm, golden painting is a meditation on contentment, on growing happily where we are planted, and catching simple moments of sunshine.

Artist in studio with painting: Wild Rhododendron. 24″ x 30″, Oil on Canvas, © 2020 Cedar Lee Wild Rhododendron. 24″ x 30″, Oil on Canvas, © 2020 Cedar Lee

Hung on the wall, the painting glows so brightly it seems like a source of light!

Art: Wild Rhododendron. 24″ x 30″, Oil on Canvas, © 2020 Cedar Lee