How Do You Say Peony?

Is it PEE-uh-nee?

Or is it pee-OH-nee?

I didn't even know that first one was an option until a few years ago!

Either way, it looks like somebody turned the volume up on this pretty pink peony!

It didn't start out this bold.  It's been through a few "I'm finished" moments.

I've always hated... been afraid of... avoided... been challenged with painting what I call "fancy, fluffy flowers" like roses, peonies, carnations, etc. so I turned to a YouTube lesson for some help. (YouTube's a great teacher when you don't have a teacher handy.)  I picked a YouTube artist whose peony painting was beautiful, and her instructions were easy to follow. 

Day 1

I did my best to follow her process, match her strokes, use her colors. At the end of the session, it was a good try. It looked like a peony.

But, it was ugly, and I was frustrated. 

I wiped it off. 

Day 2

I determined to try again.  I followed her, but not as closely.  Somewhere during that time, I began to understand that I was painting one flower, not twenty separate petals. That sounds silly to say, but it changed my mindset. 

I finished the peony!

I was pleased.

Then I stepped back and looked at it.

It had the right shape, but it was cold and lifeless.

Well, that was disappointing...

Day 3

I took a photo to look at it on a screen and get a different perspective, and I decided it was worth saving... my way. 

I brought it to life... and maybe put it on steroids... but I do love this "fancy fluffy flower" now.

This week's art challenge phrase was "Lots of Pink." I certainly did use lots of pink.

Oil Painting on 8"x 10" Wrapped Canvas

Click Bold Pink Peony if you'd like to purchase this painting.