STORY BEHIND THE ART OF SHARRON O’NEIL
16th Annual International
American Society of Botanical Artists and the Horticultural Society of New York
Peony with Seed Pods
Paeonia
The previous owner of our home planted a long row of assorted colors of peonies. Every year I have tried to paint at least one while they are in bloom. Some year's paintings are better than others. Peonies are so gorgeous, and I love them not only for their beauty, but also for the wonderful childhood memories they evoke.
Each year on Memorial Day, our family would pick peonies and arrange large bouquets (in foil covered coffee cans) to put on the graves of our ancestors. As we drove along, the sweet scent filled the car. The day was a very pleasant one...not at all macabre. We had a picnic in the park after decorating the graves, and the adults shared memories and stories--some of which were hilarious--of their own childhood, our grandparents, and aunts and uncles. In this way, we learned to appreciate and honor those relatives who, in many cases, we children had never known. So, I have a sentimental appreciation of these very lovely flowers.
The painting of the pale pink peony with a bit of glowing yellow center shows a bud, the full blown flower, leaves, and two seed pods, one slightly more mature than the other. The seed pods look rather like little jester's caps. Compositionally, the grouping of leaves and seed pods helps to balance and support the large heavy flower head at the top. I have been trying to capture light better in my paintings, without losing detail. This flower challenged my skills, and I enjoyed that challenge.
Peonies are very old plants, cultivated in China over 2,500 years ago. Written records mention them as far back as 4000 B.C. There are now hundreds of cultivars and individual plants can live a very long time--150 years or more! When I am long gone, the plants in this garden could still be here, blooming their pretty heads off every spring. I find that amazing! What a wonderful plant!
Next Story
Back to List