During a visit to Newport Beach, California, I encountered a young man at McFadden Square seated on a bench, skillfully weaving palm fronds into roses. Intrigued by his craft, I purchased one of his creations and asked for permission to capture his image in a photograph.
Later, I discovered that these palm frond roses are known as Palmetto Roses, with a history purportedly dating back to the American Civil War era. Legend has it that southern belles would bestow these roses upon their loved ones as tokens of enduring affection before they departed for war. Inspired by this poignant narrative, I titled my painting "Who Makes the Best Palmetto Rose," a homage to the heartfelt song of the same name by singer-songwriter James Isbell, which references the Civil War myth.
- Subject Matter: Figure and Scenery