Tote Bag - 'Rejoice'

Magnolias have a special place in my heart and they are so stunning to behold when not much else is yet in flower. The flower buds on nearly bare branches are like floral flames on a large candelabra. This was my first attempt at drawing magnolia flowers with chalk pastel a number of years ago. The image is based on a photograph I took at the then 'Rhododendron gardens' in the Dandenong ranges (Now Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden). It appeared almost as if the tree was jubilantly worshiping its Maker with outstretched arms so I entitled the artwork 'Rejoice'. May it lift your spirits as you take in the beauty of the magnolia.