May All your Wishes Come True~~The Wishing Tree, a Painting by Cindy Morawski

The Wishing Tree
~~ story and painting by Cindy Morawski

Life is not always fair.  Is it?  A slave girl named Cecilia once tried to balance the scales of justice.  She decided to run away from her cruel southern plantation.  She waited for darkness to make her escape, no full moon for her.   Before she lost her nerve, she slid out of her cabin and made for the woods.  Cecilia could hear her heart pounding before she noticed the master's blood hounds baying wildly behind her.  She splashed across the creek so that they'd lose her scent, but she could hear them coming closer.  In the distance was her only hope.  She spied a large oak tree a few yards away.  She headed for it.  The dogs were now crossing the creek.  She wrapped her arms around the tree and wished as hard as she could. 

The hunting party saw the slave girl near the tree.  "She musta' climbed that oak," mumbled the surprised overseer.  He took his pistol out and started firing up and into that tree.  The rest of the night patrol did the same.  The shots lit up the night with their sound and fury.  But, the girl was gone.  They came back the next day after first light.  She had vanished. 

Cecilia Washington was next spotted by the Liberty Bell in downtown Philadelphia.  She was running an errand for a local printmaker, a Quaker and abolitionist.  The Wishing Tree helped Cecilia make her wish come true.  Years later, the story is still being told.  In some Alabama woods near the Jackson's old cotton plantation, bullets were recently found in the trunk of an old oak.

Close your eyes.  The Wishing Tree beckons.  What would you wish for? 

                      
                                  Hope all your wishes come true!
                                         ~~Cindy

                                www.cindymorawski.com

Spring Revival~New Landscape Painting and Narrative

Hill Country Revival

Spring Landscape of Texas

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Spring's Revival

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by Cindy Morawski

One of the first signs of spring for me in San Antonio is the subtle purplish-mauve color of the red-bud tree's blossoms. They peek out from the bare branches of our suburb's landscape signaling more good things to come. While taking a stroll around our neighborhood yesterday, I also noticed that the Bradford pear trees had come to life with their white, lacy blooms. Meanwhile, buzzing bees are back, and stretches of grass surround shrubs that haven't lost their leaves in the winter. They all seem to appear a brighter shade of green. Spring is in the air!

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In honor of spring, I painted the above landscape Hill Country Revival, a Texas Landscape that depicts the land's recovery from winter. Wildflowers such as bluebonnets and prairie primrose dot the scene, while a rugged wagon lane leads you to a traditional Texas live oak tree and then further along into the country. A bright blue sky with soft puffy clouds announces new life as well. My plein air framed painting measures 11x14. It's now available as an original or print for purchase. Please check-out my website's gallery for more details. www.cindymorawski.com

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If you're looking for a spring break outing next week, consider killing two birds with one stone, so-to-speak. The Bright Shawl Art Gallery and Lunch Tea Room is a great destination. Located at 819 Augusta in San Antonio, it is easy to access because it's just a few blocks off I-35 North. The Texas Pastel Society's Art Exhibit, featuring three of my landscapes, is currently showing at the Bright Shawl and will be running through May 6th. The gallery is open daily from 9 to 4. Lunch at the tea room and gallery exhibit is open weekdays, except for Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Chef John, a Culinary Institute of New York graduate, prepares delicious and affordable menus and buffets throughout the week. Paul and I sampled the buffet on March 1st and thought it was fantastic. We'd definitely recommend it! The tea room is filled with the natural light of a beautiful courtyard that is adjacent to the building. The Bright Shawl, a charming limestone cottage, was originally known as the King home, and it is now a Texas landmark. Its spacious facility accomodates groups for all types of receptions and banquets with catering and party planning also available. It's one of San Antonio's best-kept secrets in my opinion!

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HAPPY SPRING!!!

~~Cindy

Morawski Fine Art

Mockingbird Studio and Gallery

8603 Waldon Hts.

San Antonio, TX 78254

210-522-0706

cski02@sbcglobal.net