The Artistry of Almond Blossom Season

Posted on : March 5th, 2019

“Gathering Almond Blossoms” by John William Waterhouse

It’s Bloom season here in Chico. It’s been raining more this year than most, but our bees did find a break in the weather to help pollinate the trees. Time will tell how well they were able to do. In the meantime, it is always glorious to see the almond trees burst into bloom. Locals look forward to it all year.

Artists have been inspired by almond blossom season throughout history. I’m featuring the art of one of my favorite artists, John William Waterhouse, on the blog today. He was a well-respected Victorian era English painter known for his large paintings of romantic and mythological subjects. His style was inspired by the Pre-Raphaelites who attempted to bring back Classical art and subject matter in the style of Italian artists before the High Renaissance and the painter Raphael. But as time went on, he was also influenced by the Impressionists who used a freer and more brushy style.

Like the Pre-Raphaelites, Waterhouse was particularly known for depicting literary subjects like the plays of William Shakespeare or ancient Greek or Roman myths. However, it is unlikely that he was doing either in this painting of a mother picking almond blossoms for her child. He was equally fond of doing portraits with his subjects dressed up in Greek or Roman garb. He painted it in 1916 towards the end of his life. I like it for its simple serenity and for the innocently hopeful appearance of the daughter as she looks up at her mom. It’s clear that mom is teaching her daughter appreciation of the world she lives in and the sweet beauty and wonder of nature.


Maisie Jane’s California Sunshine Products, Inc. was founded on strong beliefs and passion for offering unique, flavorful, top-quality, nut products. We strongly believe in earth-friendly practices that start on our family owned and operated orchards. We use Organic farming practices and continue in the process by using all-natural ingredients with no preservatives or GMOs. We believe in honest, friendly and helpful customer relations at all levels. We take pride in every task, every day, with every person.