Cherry Blossom II Ver. I #11

Mixed Media on Paper

22.5" x 30"

Peter Max was named official artist for the 100th anniversary of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. He created poster and banner art for the annual spring festival that draws millions of visitors each year to the Tidal Basin along the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. to see the stunning Cherry Blossom trees in bloom. This historic festival heralds the beginning of spring and the gift of trees. 

In 1912, Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo bestowed an astounding gift of 3,000 cherry blossom trees to America's capital city. The beautiful and resilient trees transformed the landscape, blooming into a canopy of delicate white, blush and fuchsia pinks early each spring after the coldest and darkest of winters. 

Max was so inspired by the commission and the beauty of the trees, that he created a series of paintings honoring the historic and breathtaking blooms. In 'Cherry Blossom II,' the artist renders the glorious Potomac River Tidal Basin in full bloom with impressionistic-inspired brushwork and light. Max's brilliant and vibrant color perfectly captures the glory of these blossoms as they frame the Washington Monument. 

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