Peonies on the Hearth

Peonies have always held a special place in my heart, and as a Gemini, I'm incredibly fortunate to receive these captivating flowers from friends and family during their all-too-brief season. Each time I'm presented with these ephemeral, delicate blossoms, I am struck anew by their otherworldly beauty and the profound sense of gratitude they instil in me.

In this particular painting, the peonies are showcased in all their glorious, yet gentle splendor, as I captured their fleeting beauty over the course of a few weeks. To preserve their transient charm, I diligently took photographs and made sketches, racing against the passage of time. The flowers are displayed in one of my most cherished vintage Habitat vases, which graces the hearth of our cozy sitting room.

To bring this enchanting scene to life, I employed loose, expressive brushstrokes using my beloved long-handled brushes from Rosemary & Co. I opted for Winsor & Newton acrylic paints, enhanced with generous amounts of slow-drying mediums to achieve a rich, painterly effect typically associated with oil paints. The piece is finished with a layer of Winsor & Newton professional gloss varnish for added depth and protection.

The painting features a 'wrapped' design, with the captivating peony arrangement continuing seamlessly around the sides of the canvas. This thoughtful detail provides the option for clients to display the artwork unframed, should they prefer. The piece is supplied ready to hang, inviting you to immerse yourself in the beguiling allure of these ethereal blooms and to fully appreciate the fleeting, delicate beauty of peonies that has so deeply captivated my heart.