In 2023, my wife (also an artist) and I were guest artists at a Garden Walk event in Sandy Springs, Georgia, where we displayed our work and painted plein air alongside other artists at various upscale homes. The home we were assigned featured terraced gardens, a variety of trees, plants, bushes, a poolside area, a large pond, and striking modern architecture with abundant glass—evoking a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired feel.
The property was breathtaking, with lush greenery everywhere, but when it came time to choose a subject, I wanted bold color to stand out. I put on my “blinders” and focused on this small, vibrant corner: a collection of pots filled with beautiful shapes and hues, dominated by striking red flowers. This became my plein air piece for the day.
The composition presented an interesting challenge with its asymmetry—the red blooms as the central focal point, surrounded by varied plants in each pot. To build depth, I used deeper, vibrant blues on the left side while keeping the foreground warmer on the right, with neutral greens tying it together. Each pot brought its own execution hurdles, but the oakleaf hydrangea at the top truly steals the show, its leaves seeming to wrap protectively around the flowers and pots like an embrace, celebrating the colorful display.
The owner or master gardener may not have been thrilled that I chose such a modest spot over the grand vistas of their estate—but for me, these flowers and pots captured the perfect burst of life and color amid the elegance.