Courbet's interest in the dramatic play of light and dark within his landscapes in particular are a constant source of inspiration for my own landscape paintings. However he also deploys this technique in his floral works. Using an effect of sketchiness and using a palette knife for some areas, I want to capture the essence of these blooms. The linen is under gilded with 24ct gold leaf and paint 'polished' and scraped back to reveal hidden patinas.
Framed in a dark smoked oak