The Portrait Series.
Every flower has its own story to tell, its own beauty to explore. I try to imagine the personalities behind the botanicals, and attempt to capture their unique points of beauty.
Lupine Diptych: “Anne with an E” and “Katherine with a K”
Did you ever watch Anne of Avonlea? It’s the sequel to Anne of Green Gables, and in it Anne, precocious red-haired imaginative marvel that she is, meets Katherine, a spinsterly depressed school marm. Needless to say, Anne’s kindness and ingenuity save the day.
The straight precise rows of the lupine flower reminded me of an orderly classroom. And who would be presiding over that ram-rod straight space? Katherine of course. And who would be all curves of grace and waiting discovery? Our dear Anne.
These two ladies are meant to hang together.
oil on canvas, 12x24 (times two!), $1100
The Three Graces: Faith, Hope, Love
There’s something about the smell of a rose, the sweet softness of its petals, and in this case, the surprising gift of its colour. What can any beautiful thing in this world be but an act of grace?
When I first saw the reference photo for this painting, taken by Rebecca Arthur, the desire to paint this trio felt like a light being turned on in the dark. Clarity of purpose - grace again. Then Rebecca allowing me to paint it - yet another grace!
oil on canvas, 18x24, $735
Jolene.
She’s just so beautiful, and she knows it.
Lyrics from Dolly Parton’s famous song rang through my head as I painted “and I cannot compete with you Jolene….”
Jolene, oil on canvas, 36x36, 2024, $1880
Lady with a Beauty Mark
I loved the stripy nature and hints of green in this tulip, but what really caught my attention was the little dot, right where Marilyn Monroe’s beauty mark would be. She’s a show off, but who can blame her?
Lady with a Beauty Mark, oil on canvas, 18x18, 2024, $585
My Beautiful Big Sister
I kept imagining the relationship between these two tulips, one unfurling and confident, the other more shy and content in the background. I pictured two sisters, one a few years older and adored by the younger.
Meet my Beautiful Big Sister, oil on canvas, 20x30, 2024, $930
Growing up in Canada, Anne of Green Gables was one of my first heroes (actually, Matthew was, but I digress). Her flaming red hair, her beautiful freckles, and her journey to learn to love it all. This tree peony literally stopped me in my tracks when visiting the home of a friend. Dear Gilbert would have fallen head over heals again :).
Freckles, oil on canvas, 18x18, 2024, $585