These are cosmos, zinnias, black eyed susans and more; home grown in my garden. The focus is on the glorious, translucent color that saturates every bloom. The canvas was started with a beautiful two-tone layering of burnt sienna and then a cooling green/blue. Gradually the layers were built up, thinking first about how one color would interact with another before seeking out the shapes.

This series will continue the abstract nature of this interest in color. It's about understanding what makes an exciting, complex and interesting painting above all else. The emotional component, of course, is the work that went into not just the painting, but my first attempt at planting seeds from scratch. The cosmos were so incredible - they grew to over six feet tall and lasted well into the fall. This is homage to them and to their magnificent colors that brought joy to all who knew them.