Purple Velvet

I don’t know whether it’s a carryover from British heritage or whether it’s a response to the long, cold winters but Torontonians have some of the most dramatic, colorful gardens I’ve ever seen.  It’s one of the many things I’ll always love about Toronto.  I discovered “Purple Velvet” on a spectacular Spring day following a bitter winter.  The richness and vibrancy of the purple in this petunia caught my attention immediately.  I relished the challenge and opportunity to recreate the velvety texture of her petals along with the contrasting lights and darks.  “Purple Velvet” is the first large-scale purple flower I painted.  Because the shades of purple in her are so deep, I chose a lighter background to accentuate the depth of the flower.