I admit that I am smitten by pampas grass - at least from a distance. When the light hits it a particular way, especially when a light breeze rustles its flowers, my brain says "eye candy!".

Why is it that I am attracted to viscous plants (Freud could have several comments about this)? Last May I was very busy painting Joshua Trees and now I just finished my second painting with pampas grass, and it is the "star".

There is an abundance of this plant along the Northern California and Oregon coasts, which is unfortunate for native habitants. The leaves (which are extremely sharp) and flowers are messy, which smothers nearby plants and I doubt that either contributes to the local food supply. It is perfectly suited to it's rugged homeland, the southern most part of South America, and seems to find this area quite hospitable.

Our local Native Plant Society does their best to remove it, but many property owners actually plant it. On-line is an article about using it as a hedge ... an invitation for this invader to take over the yard! Perhaps there are some gardeners who can control it ... I do have my doubts.

I do know that I won't be one of those gardeners. The pollen from the flowers are unfriendly to my nose - sneeze powder comes to mind.

Well, one of my favorite things about painting is allowing the time to really explore something visually, putting what I have learned on canvas, and inviting that image into my home or office without having a "downside".

I realize that everyone has their vision of beauty ... my art is a reflection of mine.

May "eye candy" with no "downsides" be yours throughout this beautifully emerging Spring.