I’ve long been captivated by irises—but not just any iris. This particular variety, with its velvety deep-purple petals and statuesque posture, stands apart in both grace and grandeur. Unlike the more common German iris, this bloom unfurls with sumptuous ruffles and a dramatic presence that demanded to be painted.
When a flower stirs something in me, I begin a quiet ritual: photographing it in shifting light, at different hours of the day, until I capture that one fleeting, unforgettable moment that reveals its soul. I rarely cut irises for the studio, as they fade too quickly in water; instead, I study them in their garden home, where they seem to breathe.
Each iris, like each person, has its own personality—no two are quite the same. I approach each petal, each curve, as a portrait of individuality. My hope in painting this bloom was to translate that living beauty into brushstrokes, to honor the moment it took my breath away—and perhaps, take yours away too.