A Garden Gathering: Nature, Kinship, and the Spirit of Spring

As the blossoms return and the air softens into spring, I always feel a renewed sense of possibility. Nature begins her gentle conversation again and so do I, through art.

My painting Garden Gathering was born from a quiet love for the way animals seem to understand the world without words. In this scene, a white rabbit, a squirrel, and a prairie dog gather around a rustic tree stump, sharing a meal of berries and blossoms under blooming cherry branches. No one is rushed. No one is fighting. They are simply together, in peace.

This piece reflects themes that show up in many of my paintings: food as a symbol of connection, animals as storytellers, and nature as a place of wisdom.

I’ve always believed that gathering to share a meal whether in real life or in art is more than just nourishment. It’s a ritual. A moment of stillness. A way to acknowledge that we’re not alone. That spirit lives in Garden Gathering.

The cherry blossoms in the painting were inspired by the ones I’d see in springtime walks and by my own memories of slowing down in gardens, both real and imagined. I wanted this piece to feel timeless, and I think it does.

You can find Garden Gathering as a print or on select gifts in my online shop. I hope it brings a breath of spring and a sense of joyful connection to your space.

With warmth,
Roberta Pacino