Sunflowers are my favorite flower to paint because they’re showy and colorful, but hydrangeas are my favorite flower to look at. They never seem to be trying to attract attention. They don’t have a heavy fragrance like roses or gardenias. Their pretty pastel shades are more soothing than bright. They prefer the damp shady spots where most flowers don’t bloom easily and even their round blooms look like pompoms cheering on something else in the garden. This is the world’s most beautiful understated flower.

I was inspired by a variegated hydrangea bush that I pass on my way to work. I watched it as it went from full and showy to faded and subtle. The faded and subtle colors seemed even more beautiful.

 
$700
Acrylic on canvas, 12″ x 16″
Located at: my studio.