the colour of November #1 (Winterberry red)
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Last week, we went out to our cabin to do some reading and cutting of the ever-growing vegetation. In spite of the mower and the thinning saw and regular prunings, the field seems to grow vegetation behind your back. When you turn around, an alder or a birch tree has filled in a patch you thought was only grass.
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As we planned a new path across the field, we considered each sapling before we cut. To our surprise, we found another bush of Winterberry Holly (Canada Holly, Ilex verticillata (L.) Gray). Many grow down by the lake, but up in the field by our cabin, we know only of one other.
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This time of year their leaves are bronzed and brown and their berries are orange-red. The berries will persist on the leafless branches all through the winter.
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The berries of the Winterberry Holly are so much fun to paint. I started with a layer of red, added orange and then layers of white, yellow and red in turn. I finished with a dot of black and a dot of white on the majority of the berries.
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October 27, 2013 ‘Winterberry red’ Jane Tims
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Copyright 2013 Jane Tims
nichepoetryandprose 
Jane, I love your “winterberry red” painting! You have really captured the berries, complete with their shine.
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Lee
November 25, 2013 at 12:10 pm
Hi Lee. Thanks! I love these berries and they grow in profusion down by the lake where we have our cabin. One of the benefits of wetland! Jane
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jane tims
November 26, 2013 at 8:01 am
How pretty! Winterberry is one of my husband’s favorites, and he tried for years to grow it in Ohio with no luck. I wonder how long it will be before he plants one here at the new place?
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Robin
November 6, 2013 at 3:39 pm
Hi Robin. I discover it in many places, especially when a bush produces berries where I hadn’t seen it before. I think it would grow where you are. Jane
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jane tims
November 9, 2013 at 4:20 pm
Your work is coming along fine, and when you really like your subject matter, is wonderful.. I can feel the “like” in the paintings.
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Carol Steel
November 6, 2013 at 8:09 am
Hi Carol. Thanks! Painting is rewarding in so many ways. I find it very relaxing and never a chore. Jane
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jane tims
November 9, 2013 at 4:19 pm