Bloedel Reserve, Bainbridge Island

The Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island, is a sanctuary of natural beauty that has served as a source of inspiration for many, including the eminent poet, Theodore Roethke.Bloedel is a 150-acre forest garden, with a diverse blend of curated landscapes and wilder, untouched areas; it's said to have deeply influenced Roethke's poetry.
 
Roethke is a significant figure in Pacific Northwest poetry, and his deep ties to the region and the Bloedel Reserve have helped shape the area's literary and cultural identity; he inspired a generation of poets, including a lot of women like Sylvia Plath.This painting is based on a photo I took in May, 2023. I love returning to this place during different seasons and writing poetry in different settings.

Oil on panel
14" x 11"
Handmade maple frame with walnut splines
Polywax finish