Like everyone else, I’ve been in shock about what’s happened to the world because of COVID-19. So in order not to think about it, I’ve been painting things in my spring garden, including the iris.

When I moved to Asheville, North Carolina, in 2016, I had no idea what was going to come up in the spring garden. As a nature-loving gardener, however, I knew the long-neglected property needed a lot of tender loving care to be brought back to life. A small pod of tulips were in the front yard, but yielded no flowers that spring. The second year I amended the soil and was rewarded with one lonely flower. This year, however, there are a grand total of three - each with their own beauty and personality. There's a lot to be said for spending days getting to know a particular flower. It's pandemic time and I'm in isolation like everyone else, so I have the time. I adored setting up the light and angle of the buds and petals so they caught the light just so. The layers gradually built and as I worked, I was able to achieve that translucency and brilliance that tulips have. This painting is beautifully custom framed in a greenish-green patina. It is ready to hang.

Available: https://www.catherinetwomey.com/available/iris-portrait