White Tulip (in York City Gardens), 2023

White Tulip is a close-up cropped view of a white tulip found in York Gardens, captured in its final peak of bloom before the petals begin to wilt. The layers of oil glazes create a rich matte texture, to the piece, reminiscent of the velvety feel...

White Tulip is a close-up cropped view of a white tulip found in York Gardens, captured in its final peak of bloom before the petals begin to wilt. The layers of oil glazes create a rich matte texture, to the piece, reminiscent of the velvety feel of the petals. The bold, rich layers of white stand out against the smooth ombre background of deep crimson blending into black. I use minimal pigments in my work, mixing the colours from just a few base colours to create a consistency and complementary palate that is calming, and soothing on the eye. The background itself - while deep black at first glance - is created with layers of deep crimson blending into blue-black, the tones of which shift subtly between warm and cool according to the light and shadow. Through my painting I continue to study our connection with natural forms, in particular during times of growing concern and awareness of climate change. This tulip was captured during an unseasonably hot day in Spring 2023, when the flowers in bloom in the iconic York Gardens were ahead of their usual cycle, already beginning to reach the end of their natural life. The piece is framed in a dark wooden frame (see photos) and comes ready to hang. Framed dimensions are 46 x 56 cm, unframed 40 x 50 cm.