Wild Irises

Wild Irises
S. Shawcross / 24" x 18" / Oil on masonite / SOLD

These irises drove me to the brink during the week I painted them. I first fell in love with the shadow colours blending and sweeping and swirling in the background moving to a still quiet water where the water lilies were round. I added the straight lines of the reeds against the swirls and it seemed right somehow. I did the lilies several times until I found the tapestry I was searching for to lay the Irises against. The Irises ended up with red highlights because it seemed to be the way it worked. They were far too tepid otherwise. I don't see the darkness of the picture as much as others seem to. I see the startling light of the flowers as hopeful and bright with life.