SOLD TM8514 Last Lily 30×54 oil on panel

By the time the last lily of the year opens, the environment of the pond has turned to dark russets and maroons – more somber than the bright greens of spring and summer, but exquisitely subtle and rich. It is a melancholy moment when I think bonjour, but simultaneously have to think adieu mes amis to a whole  season’s worth of richly varied and bountiful lilies. The season of falling leaves is coming, then ice and the grays of winter. Spring looks a long way off; the days are getting so short. I have to remind myself that there is great beauty in winter, too. It’s just more of a challenge. Details below. Enjoy!

TM8514 Last Lily – detail with flower

TM8514 Last Lily – detail from foreground

TM8514 Last Lily – detail from center with lily pads

Technical painting notes: The amazing color harmonies in the lily pads at the end of the year are extraordinary. Each pad has so many colors, but they are hard to define. Is that gold? maroon? violet? brown? Glazes are one way to create a nearly infinite range of color. The effect of the lily pads sinking below the surface is achieved near the end of the painting process, by using a soft brush to “glide” the water’s color up and over parts of the pad.

It was important to me that the lily be opening, always a sign of hope, contrasted with the color-defined, and darker valued season of fall.