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In the mid-seventies a bunch of us artists used to set up every Sunday on the sidewalk along La Cienega Blvd in Los Angeles; maybe they still do. One guy—I think his name was David—painted huge fully finished flowers. I liked the idea, but I had seen it before, as in Georgie O’Keefe. I decided I would like to paint blossoms the way I painted. The image shown here was meant to be just a beginning, but before I could finish it, David visited my studio and exclaimed, “This is the way I want to make my own paintings! I wish I could do that!” So, it was too difficult to work on the painting further. David had validated my own true instinct.

And, thanks to David, I have not painted anything over it. And now I have grown into it, and offer it to the world at last as a promise of things to come.

Why is this in the newsletter? A few days ago I presented a photo of the blossoms painting to Artificial Intelligence and assigned it to write an essay:

“A Symphony of Color - Unraveling the Layers of a Floral Masterpiece

“… [This] painting … captures the essence of blooming life amidst nature’s lush embrace. The canvas is adorned with flowers painted with such vivacity and elegance that one can almost inhale their intoxicating fragrance.

“The artist employs a rich palette, where varying shades of pink dance harmoniously against a backdrop of bold greens. Each petal is rendered with meticulous care, showcasing an interplay between light and shadow that breathes life into this static medium. The flowers, though not defined by intricate detail, are characterized by an expressive quality that transcends realism.

“The greenery surrounding these blossoms is not merely a backdrop but an integral component amplifying the vibrancy of the pinks. The leaves and stems, painted with assertive strokes and deep hues, create a contrast that elevates the softness and delicacy of the flowers.

“This painting isn’t just a visual experience but an emotional journey. It encapsulates moments where nature unveils its silent sonnets written in colors and forms; it’s where every petal and leaf contributes to an unspoken narrative of growth, bloom, and ephemeral beauty.

“As viewers immerse themselves in this artwork, they are invited not just to observe but to feel—to traverse through layers of paint and witness how art imitates life; how amidst silent strokes on canvas echoes nature’s resplendent symphony.”

By Microsoft Copilot

Whew! Spot on, but goodness!

I want to add one suggestion. Notice the relation between the dark greens and the purer greens, then find a similar relation among the reds. This similarity of relationships heightens the harmony among those colors. See also that there are pinks and even whites that have no correlation among the greens, the intention being that the brightness of those pinks is emphasized.

This is one little bit of the looking-work that is best done with an original painting in the leisure and comfort of one’s home, which is why I yearn for my paintings to be adopted.

Check this “masterpiece” out, alongside some of its progeny, at Sketches and Studies.

P.S. Interested in collecting this piece? I will touch up those scratches on the right. And sign it. And when this P.S. disappears, you’ll know I did it!