ASIAN LILY (# 199)

I’ve just finished a new pastel piece called “ASIAN LILY (#199),” and I’m really happy with how the colors came alive. It’s a 12 by 9-inch close-up of a big, bold orange lily that almost feels like it’s bursting right off the paper. I got caught up in the rich oranges, reds, and a little touch of purple that gave the petals a kind of juicy, glowing depth. Those stamens stretch out like they’re waving hello, surrounded by fresh green leaves that frame the whole thing like a spotlight. Working with these incredible colors made the process fun and a little surprising—sometimes a drawing just takes on a life of its own. It’s a simple flower, but somehow feels like a little celebration of vibrancy and growth all at once.