As December gives way to January, most of the trees are now
bare and the grass has faded from green to brown. Even though winter has only
just begun, I’m already dreaming of spring.
For a taste of spring's warmth, I find myself gazing at Monica Lee-Henell's paintings like "White Blooms," shown above. I can almost smell the flowers, feel the sunshine and hear
the birds chirping in these oversized paintings. Even as they
seem to offer a glimpse of the season to come, there is also a resemblance to
the flowers that are still blooming and the recent collection from AlbertaFerretti.
"Falling in Love"
The leaves of the evergreen trees give splashes of color to the winter horizon. And though it may seem that the garden is empty
until spring, there are still a few blooms offering their petals for our enjoyment.
The deep hues of green, black and brown, that act as a backdrop to blooms of
white, yellow and plum in Lee-Henell’s paintings are reminiscent of the deeper colors
and feelings of the winter season. There is a heavy and earthy quality of the
leaves and shrubs that is offset by the lightness of the blooms that mimic
nature’s display this season.
"Forsythia Unconditional"
Even if only for a limited time, the vibrant red and bright
pink of begonias add a touch of color against an often gray sky. The last of
the white and fuchsia mums nod in the winter breeze. And the purple, gold and
white pansies shine brightly even as snow graces their petals. 
Lee-Henell’s lush and large brushstrokes across the canvas
transport us to a place of beauty, one we might not always find in the dreary
months.
Flowers like those in the "Mystique", are like a snapshot of winter's remaining flowers. There is an abstract quality to many of the blooms in her paintings, with the mere
suggestion of shapes through highlights and shadows.
The fabrics used by Ferretti are similar to the painterly
approach of Lee-Henell. The gauzy fabrics move across the skin like the soft and wide
brushstrokes across the canvas. The floral prints are sometimes abstract with
delicate details like ruffles and pleating to mimic a flower’s petals. 
"Lush"
Even though it’s not always easy, and the frost might deter
you, these paintings and gowns serve as a reminder to stop and smell the roses, no matter the season.
Runway Photos: Vogue.com
Art Images: Monicaleehenell.com
