This is the first subject in my Lotus series. Lotus 1, Lotus 2, and Lotus 3 also comprise a "stylistic trio"

Series notes: Lotuses
The lotus is well deserved as a beloved symbol with many meanings. It blooms in the most unlikely of places such as the mud of murky river water; a lovely delicate flower tenaciously growing in the muck! I like to think of it as a lesson from what I call God--though you may call it The Universe, Allah, Buddha, or something else--that we can take what we have and beautify it; we can start exactly where we are and go from there, and it is enough! In fact, the contrast of rising from adversity is stunning. It is a marvel to witness. It is glorious!

Series notes: Stylistic Trios
Each trio in this series consists of three paintings of the same still-life subject.
The first is painted in a classical, realistic style.
For the second, I take an impressionistic approach, deepening my familiarity with the subject but being less concerned with detail.
The third painting is expressionistic, where I try to capture the experiential essence of the subject, with little concern for objective reality.