The pandemic allows me time to paint, fight with the canvas, despair, attempt something new &, occasionally, succeed. Flowers for Vincent is such a case.

I'd recently painted over several older works I've never been satisfied with. A 10x8" canvas spoke to me as the likely recipient for an image of the irises in glasses & vases ranged along the dining table. I've painted irises many times.

But this time was tougher. There were too many flowers so I painted some out. Then not enough, then the light changed. I had the background colours right - or did I? The chalky sage green ground wasn't working. At the end of the 2nd day I took a break to review Vincent van Gogh's flower paintings, particularly the irises.

I discovered a well-known work of many irises against a white background has changed colour over the years. He'd originally painted them, as he wanted them, against a pinkish ground. Aha!

I overpainted the sage walls to disconcerting pinks & reinforced outlines. I made another pass, with thicker paint, reinforcing the flowers. It was done! I love it. But it sold immediately, almost against my will. It's like selling one's children.

Fortunately the pandemic also allows me time with the painting, until the owner can pick it up or I can deliver. Each time I pass it I stop to learn again what worked.