Discussion Topic Roses

Juliet, speaking a soliloquy in Shakespeare's famous balcony scene (the play's text calls it a window), says, "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet," as she tries to rationalize the logic of her sudden passionate love for Romeo, someone she is supposed to hate. Whether or not that was the beginning of the association between love and roses, in today's world, roses and love do often go hand in hand; especially red roses. Roses come in white and yellow varieties besides red, and they come in various of sizes and shapes, too.

Some roses can't seem to make up their mind about what color they want to be.

It is just a guess, but this is probably a cultivated rose. Worldwide, there are about 300 species of roses--most are native to Asia but  North America, Europe, and Africa have native species, too--and over 10,000 cultivated varieties.

Roses seem be loved worldwide and are often displayed in special rose gardens. The photo below is from the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden in San Diego's Balboa park.

Rose plant leaves come in clusters of 1, 3, 5, 7, and possibly more. There always seems to be an odd number.

They say that love is blind, but anyone who grabs hold to the rose stem below probably quickly wishes it wasn't.

Roses appear in Japanese art. The photo below features a rose in an ikebana arrangement.

The Nightingale and Spray of Roses ukiyo-e woodblock print below was produced by Hokusai Katsushika in 1832.  

Roses share much of their anatomy with most other flowers. The illustration below points out the various parts.

Besides having ornamental value, roses are used for food and drink, perfume, and medicine. Rose hips are rich in vitamin C.

What sort of rose picture appeals to you? You've seen Hokusai's print, several photos, and a flower arrangement. Do those give you some ideas? Does something with a tenkei sound interesting? In landscapes, tankei may be a person, a house, or other feature that isn't the main subject but adds interest and perspective. For a rose picture, something like an insect seems appropriate. Take a moment to think about what elements you would like to see in your rose painting.