In Shadow Bloom, I focused on the contrast between light and shadow in early spring. The vibrant blossoms seem to emerge from the tree’s dark, shadowed trunk, reflecting the title. Shadows in the foreground guide the eye toward the golden marsh grass, hinting at the unseen pond beyond. The smooth board surface lets the ground color peek through, heightening the freshness of the brisk spring air. With quick, deliberate strokes, I aimed to capture the fleeting energy of the season’s transition.