I've always had a soft spot of thistles (excuse the pun). My much loved grandfather emigrated to Australia from Scotland as a young man. I have always identified with my Scottish heritage and so was enthralled, as a schoolboy, with the tale of how the thistle became the national emblem of Scotland.You probably know the yarn already, but, just in case, the story goes that a Viking raiding party was trying to effect a surprise attack on a group of Scottish fighting men who were resting in a field one night. In the interest of stealth the Norsemen had removed their boots. When they stumbled onto a patch of thistles their cries warned the Scot's who went on to defeat them. To this day the thistle is the universal symbol of Scotland
12 comments:
drawing!
BEAUTIFULLY DONE!! Love the story too ---!
I didn't know the thistle story, but am glad to read it. Thanks! Around here thistles are considered weeds, but when they house goldfinches, I think they are beautiful.
Very nice drawing and colors. Excellent shading with both. Thanks for the story.
lovely colours in this one, and in your last post too.
This is really well done, as is the previous one for "yellow". I enjoyed both the drawing and the story.
Great job, Ian! I didn't know the story either, though I should, being that my Mum is Scottish. :)
Thanks for the story - I had no idea. Lovely sketch - love the simple lines and color. Thistles are such interesting flowers, and you've done a great job with this one.
Thistles are so pretty and you have realy captured that so well. Love the story also.
Nicely done! I visited Tamworth once in the early 70's. Nice place!
Great work on the thistle and the landscape. Beautiful colors. I'd heard the story of thistle before as my husband's grandfather emigrated from Scotland and told the kids lots of stories. But, it's always good to hear it again.
I love this thistle! I have a thistle watercolor in our house at the coast, but I like yours better, esp since it came with a story. :o)
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