駅への近道で

＜　アジサイの咲くころ　油彩　F6　2025-06-13　＞

去年も今ごろアジサイを描きました。やはり梅雨空によく目立つ 大きな花と、鮮やかな色が目を惹くのだと思います。雨の中では一層美しく見えます。しかし去年は梅雨にあまり雨が降らず暑かったため、アジサイがあまり目立たなかったきがします。今年も梅雨入りしたばかりに晴れて30℃以上の日が続いたので、また去年のようになる気配です。

ときどき駅に出るのに近道を使います。途中 3枚ほどの田んぼがあります。6月半ばでしたがそばを通ると、田んぼには水が入り小型の田植え機もありました。3時間ぐらいしてそこをまた通ると、苗を植え終えた涼し気な田んぼに変わっていて、田植えがこんなに簡単に済んでしまうのかと驚きました。もちろん小さい田んぼだし、機械を使うのは分っていますが、私の中には昔ながらの手植えの風景の 記憶がまだ残っているみたいです。早乙女姿の代わりにアジサイが綺麗でした。

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On the shortcut to the station

Around this time last year, I also painted hydrangeas. I suppose it’s because their large blossoms and vivid colors stand out so well against the gloomy skies of the rainy season. They look especially beautiful in the rain. However, last year, the rainy season was unusually dry and hot, so the hydrangeas didn't seem to stand out as much. This year, too, although the rainy season has officially started, the weather has been sunny and over 30°C for several days in a row, and I have a feeling it may turn out like last year again.

From time to time, I take a shortcut to the station. Along the way, there are about three rice fields. It was mid-June when I passed by and saw that the fields had been filled with water, and a small rice-planting machine was there. About a few hours later, when I passed the same spot again, I was surprised to see that the rice plantings had already been completed and the fields had transformed into refreshing paddies. I was amazed at how quickly rice planting could be completed. Of course, I know these are small fields and that machines are used now. It seems I still carry memories of the old-fashioned scenes of hand-planting. Instead of young women planting in traditional "saotome" attire, it was the hydrangeas that stood beautifully this time.   (with help of ChatGTP)