Tea Time in the Garden

This piece was painted from life outdoors in my garden - en plein air. I've never had more than one peony bloom on either of my peony bushes in the 28 years we've lived in our home...until this year! They were so beautiful I had to paint them. I set them up in a favorite vase with a teacup and saucer, which were all wedding gifts when my husband and I were married nearly 29 years ago. I rarely paint still life and this is the first time I attempted one outdoors, en plein air, and the first time I've tried to paint peonies. With all the challenges we've all faced in 2020, it has taken me some time to be inspired to paint since March...but this subject felt so happy and comforting to me. It was one of those special paintings that seemed almost to paint itself...a magical feeling, and something I personally needed right now. I hope it makes you happy too and brings a feeling of calm and peace. This painting is framed in a beautiful hand carved gold frame by Bryan Smith Frames. It will be included in the American Impressionist Society's 21st Annual National Juried Exhibition which will be held October 22nd through November 21st, 2020 at Illume Gallery of Fine Art/The Mission Gallery in St. George, Utah. It will be available through the gallery.