I have a saying: "In nature there are no rules, there are only tendencies".

Here in eastern Kansas, Baltimore Orioles arrive in May almost like clockwork. This year, there was a real surprise when I noticed a flash of bright orange in a blooming Red bud tree. Red buds bloom here in mid March. I was so moved by the idea of this fellow "breaking the rules" and arriving long before anyone else, that I designed a painting around this idea and entitled it "Early Arrival".

This is the main trunk of a mature Red bud tree. I am especially fond of the trees that send bloom plumes out on their main trunks...soooo....I painted the Oriole in such a tree.  The contrast between the orange and purple are almost a shock to the senses.   Only nature could think of something this mesmerizing.