Some stories stop you in your tracks.
The legend of the dogwood tree was one of those for me. The first time I heard it I got goose bumps. And honestly? I still do every single time.
If you haven't heard it — keep reading. And if you have, read it again. It's worth it.
The Legend
The dogwood is a beautiful little tree that bursts into white blossoms every spring, right around Easter. But according to legend, it wasn't always small.
The story goes that the dogwood was once a large, strong tree — similar to a great oak — and because of the strength of its wood, it was used for many purposes. Including, it is said, the wood used to build the cross on which Jesus was crucified.
Because of its role in the crucifixion, God both cursed and blessed the tree.
It was cursed to forever remain small — its branches narrow and crooked, never again strong enough to be used for such a purpose.
But it was also blessed. Every spring, just in time for Easter, it would bloom with beautiful flowers as a reminder of God's promise. And if you look closely at a dogwood bloom, you'll see it:
Four petals forming the shape of a cross. A crimson stain at the tip of each petal — reminiscent of the nails. And a crown of thorns at the center.
Are you getting goose bumps? Because I am just writing this.
The Painting
From the moment I heard this legend I knew I needed to paint it. Not just the flower — but the feeling of it. The faith, the beauty, the quiet weight of the story.
I worked with whites and crimsons, deep blues and metallic grays — colors that felt both hopeful and reverent at the same time. Every petal felt intentional. Every brushstroke felt like it carried meaning beyond just paint on canvas.
That's the kind of creating I love most. When a piece becomes something more than art — when it becomes a story you can hang on your wall and feel something every time you walk past it.
More Than Paint on Canvas
I'm also sharing a photo of me with two of my paintings — The Dogwood Tree and an embellished print of He Is Risen — which I consider a one-of-one piece.
Both pieces came from the same place in my heart — a deep love for God's creation and the stories woven into the natural world around us.
If the legend of the dogwood moves you the way it moves me, I hope this painting brings that feeling into your home. Prints are available in my shop — and I think they're especially meaningful as an Easter or spring gift for someone you love.
May we always find beauty, meaning, and inspiration in the world God made for us. 🌸
XO, Kris
