Jardin Violet, oil and acrylic on canvas, 150 x 100 x 2 cm
This painting began with a fascination for the sculptural beauty of orchids. I wanted to explore the contrast between two different approaches to painting flowers. The petals are loose and expressive, created with splashes, drips and energetic marks, while the leaves, stems and tangled roots are painted with the careful observation often seen in botanical illustration.
Setting these two styles against each other creates a beautiful tension in the artwork between the wild nature of the orchid and its delicate beauty. The orchids appear to float through layers of magenta, plum and violet petals, while the twisting branches and roots anchor the composition with more structured detail.
Jardin Violet is a celebration of orchids in all their drama and beauty. The painting combines expressive energy with botanical form, creating a vibrant floral work that feels both contemporary and timeless