Delight

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The Magnolia Artists gathered for the first time as a group – since March of 2020, in the gardens of Filoli in Woodside. It was early May 2021 and we had all received our two doses of COVID vaccine. It felt like we were safe to be in each others’ presence – especially out of doors. We were giddy getting to be together – especially in such a breathtaking place.

I’ve not painted many peonies – and not for lack of desire. I’ve just not had many peony images tell me to paint them. Roses keep butting in. This is a herbaceous peony, rather than a tree peony. The herbaceous type are not quite as showy, but the freshness and purity of this one got me. I love the petal curled over towards the center, making it almost demure.

I helped the composition along by inserting the field of buds, in pinks and greens behind the top of the flower, giving a more complete picture of what it was like to be there that day.

Zoom in to the upper right corner and you’ll see how our weeks-old puppy, Bozzy, added his creative touch to the piece. He scratched it with his sharp baby dog claws, which I hadn’t noticed until I put paint down. This will forever be the painting I was working on at the start of his puppyhood.

The title is a nod to Ross Gay, author of The Book of Delights, a wonderful book that reminds us of how small joys are found in the every-day and how making space for delight is a worthwhile pursuit.

Plus, for me it’s almost always about the light.

March-April, 2022 – 29”x29” – Watercolor on paper.