This 20X16 pastel painting was done from a reference photo taken of a cherry tree in my front yard. It blooms profusely every year and is enjoyed by everyone. One year we had a party and the children went out and picked the cherry blossoms from the tree. I was happy they could enjoy it. The painting is entitled “Sakura” because it means “cherry blossom” in Japanese, which is the national flower of Japan. The Sakura represents a time of renewal and optimism. The lovely pinks of the flower signify the ending of winter and the beginning of spring.