The Unexpected Garden Oil on canvas – 20″ x 16″ – $1850
A fleeting moment on a hometown walk
The Unexpected Garden was inspired by a walk I took one afternoon. I came across this beautiful cluster of irises growing near a local cemetery. Even though I have passed by this spot numerous times over the years, they always surprise me. Their rich, velvety purple petals lean into subtle shades of magenta, held perfectly by strong green leaves—like a vibrant showcase on display for a very limited time. On this particular day, I truly felt the fleeting nature of this organic bouquet.
As an artist, I have painted irises many times, though I haven’t had the chance as much in recent years. A nearby town used to host a plein-air painting event when the irises were in bloom. It was always so much fun, but the event eventually stopped, and I no longer had a car to make the trip.
Learning to pivot as an artist
But one pivots when they have to. I’ve discovered that this is exactly how creativity grows, allowing new things to enter my work. This tribute to the purple iris came right from my hometown, captured first as a simple photograph on my phone. While my practice is deeply grounded in painting directly from life, sometimes we are called to adapt.
Transforming grass into pure emotion
What was so unexpected and joyful about creating this piece was transforming the surrounding grass. Instead of articulating individual blades of grass, I turned it into a body of color—a warm, wistful yellow-green that complements the deep purples.
I kept the background loose and active, letting the physical, textured brushwork hint at the organic energy of the grass without spelling it out. The paint mimics that natural outdoor movement, creating a warm embrace for the flowers and an “unexpected garden” of its own. I hope you enjoy the essence of this piece, and the unique beauty of color that flowers have a special way of sharing with us.
To welcome this piece into your home click below to send me a direct inquiry. I will respond within 24 hours. Thank you, Catherine
Categories: Flowers, Nature, New Paintings, Original oil paintings, Still Life
Beautiful…I love the softness of this piece and the way you have painted the flowers at the top that grabs the viewer’s attention while suggesting more irises at the bottom with the blurred sections.
Hi Louise.
Thank you! It was a little challenging to interpret if I’m honest. But I like the way it came out and appreciate hearing how you see it and experience it. I tend to struggle with the distance between the flower part and the long stems. That’s also something I notice when painting Tiger Lilies. Have a good weekend! Catherine