Peonies have a way of capturing my heart. The large, robust flowers are filled with overwhelming delicacy. To me they are such a romantic and nostalgic flower. I think that’s why I enjoy painting them each year.

A small bouquet like this one was just perfect for exploring on canvas and in this sketch on paper. The simple glass jar acting as a vase added a bit of a rustic, homegrown vibe to the arrangement.

I used lots of shades of pink starting with the simple mixing of cadmium red with a titanium white and sometimes adding in touches of yellow to add warmth and variety. To create the cooler side of pink it’s fun to add a little green or violet. Really the spectrum is limitless. The same is true when working with whites.

Swift and varied brush work kept the sketch fresh and moving toward completion. Capturing the energy of the moment and the spontaneity of joy.