The Story Behind the Painting:

I love Giant Marigolds, but seem to have some trouble growing them. Apparently, they like a little drier soil. Perhaps that is why this piece started with quiet, dull tones, but layering gouache brought the colors to life. In A Tapestry of Gold & Violet, lush marigolds in warm yellow and orange stand out against a cool background of deep blues, purples, and greens. Visible, textured brushstrokes add movement and capture the soft volume of the petals.

The color palette works by pairing two sets of analogous (neighboring) colors that also complement each other:

• Yellow & Orange: Warm, vibrant, and energetic
• Blue & Violet: Cool, deep, and grounding

When combined, these pairs harmonize while naturally mixing into a wide range of lush greens. The strong contrast between the warm blooms and the cool shadows gives the painting its luminous, cheerful energy.