This painting was named “First and Last Blooms” because it contains the Hydrangea with is among the first blooms of Summer and the Hyacinth which was the last remaining bloom of Spring. Eric enjoyed painting the intricate detail of this large Hydrangea following his trip to Saint Michael Island in the Azores, where he was so impressed by the profusion of Hydrangeas he had to paint them. Eric chose the white lace as is mirrors the shape of the petals in the hydrangea in the cut-outs.