Garden Glow

Some paintings begin with a place as much as a subject.

This clematis was inspired by a photograph I took during a visit to a beautiful local garden on a warm summer day. Surrounded by vibrant blooms and shared with fellow artists, it became a memorable source of inspiration.

As I painted, I wanted the flowers to become the stars of the composition, glowing against the cooler background and capturing the warmth and beauty of that afternoon.

This piece also became an exciting creative experiment. It combines a watercolor underpainting with layers of oil pastel and coloured pencil details. I was immediately drawn to the creamy texture and blendability of oil pastels, and although I learned that cold-pressed watercolor paper wasn't my ideal surface, every experiment teaches something new.

For me, this painting represents not only the beauty of a single flower but also the joy of discovering new materials and continuing to grow as an artist.

Inspired by my own reference photograph taken with permission in a private garden.