
It’s Summer Inside was inspired by a desire to capture the essence of a summer bouquet as autumn settles in. Zinnias, for me, are a reminder of those sunlit days—days bursting with color and life. The warm yellows, soft pinks, and rich oranges in this piece reflect the brightness we can carry with us, even as the seasons change. With textured brushstrokes, each petal comes alive, delicate yet vibrant, a touch of summer warmth in any season.
As I worked on this piece, I was taken back to my early 20s, when I shared a house with my two younger sisters. We lived near a farm with a cutting garden, overflowing with large, brightly colored zinnias. There was such joy in creating a bouquet of fresh flowers and bringing it back to our new place, filling it with color and a sense of home. For years, I couldn’t remember the name of those flowers, but the vivid memory of their color and energy stayed with me.
Painting, for me, is a bit like planting a garden. It starts with mixing a palette of colors, then imagining the outcome on the canvas. Every stroke is like planting a seed, watching the story slowly unfold and bloom into life. This process, like the memory of those zinnias, brings me back to that inner sense of warmth and brightness.
This painting is for anyone who, like me, loves keeping a bit of summer alive, even as the world outside shifts to golds and crimsons. Sometimes, the brightest blooms happen within. As seasons change, a little piece of summer unfolds in my heart—vibrant, warm, and full of color.
I’d love to hear what memories or feelings It’s Summer Inside brings up for you. Where do you keep your inner summer alive?
Enjoy the slideshow below. To learn more about It’s Summer Inside, including details on the piece reach out to me here Contact Me.
Categories: Flowers, Nature, New Paintings, Original oil paintings, Seasonal art, Still Life, The Aura of Flowers Collection
























This is so rhythmic to me! I adore the choices you made and the brush strokes of the vase. Just a great energy Catherine ☮️
Thank you so much Liza! I appreciate hearing this and that you picked up on the paintings energy.
Thank you Liza!
A very cheerful bouquet Catherine!
Thank you so much Louise!