1122 Good Cheer and Success (for 2022)

 Every year without fail, a friend sends me a poinsettia plant as gratitude for many years of  help in his classroom, when I'm the one who is grateful for the experience and his friendship.

Did you know that the Poinsettia is December's birth flower?   I recently learned that the poinsettia was introduced to the United States in 1825 by the first Ambassador to Mexico, Joel Roberts Poinsett also an amateur botanist.  Interestingly, the red "petals" we think of as part of the flower are really just the leaves.  The actual flowers are the little yellow things that look like buds or seeds in the middle.  

The poinsettia symbolizes good cheer and success, and that is what I am wishing you, along with good health, happiness, and a clear mind.  I am grateful to you for following my art journey and being a supporter in my progress.

Happy New Year.  

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1122--good-cheer-and-success-for-2022-/966752

735 Fifth Grade

There are some people who will always bring warm thoughts to you.  My kids' fifth grade teacher, Mr. H. will always be that person.  I was his first parent volunteer in 1993 and worked for him until he retired many years later.  For all these years, he has remembered me at Christmas with a beautiful poinsettia plant.  He is the type of teacher who adults credit with their success, having had him as a teacher in the fifth grade.  Although he is retired now, he still substitute teaches.  He is a master teacher, and a dear friend.

"735 Fifth Grade"
acrylic - 6x6 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/735-fifth-grade/431692