Little Butterflies




When I originally thought of painting these vases, I visualized delicate flowers hanging from the tall thin vase and moving across the picture plane. Anemone, which would resemble the motif on the vase, came to mind. Perhaps showy Cattleyas or various other orchids would work. I, also, considered oriental poppies. But then, I visited Le Paradis des Orchidées, a greenhouse specializing in orchids, and I found these 'little butterflies', the Phalaenopsis. When I saw these orchids in the exhibition greenhouse, they appeared to be fluttering across the light coming from the windows. Moving yet still, they were exquisite. They were the perfect fit for my original thought of a little light in a dark green space.

Dimensions: 20 x 16

Medium: watercolor