Flowers provide me with infinite inspiration. I have painted tulips before — they are one of my favorite flowers. I am attracted to their color and shape. I have been inspired by artists Georgia O’Keefe, Charles Demuth and Matisse.

Before beginning, I imagine the composition in my head, then I begin a detailed drawing. My goal is to simplify their shapes but yet paint the flower realistically and portray the soft petals and vivid colors. The drawing provides a framework for me, and then I am free to create with spontaneous brushwork of transparent washes. The background is the plain, white paper that give the colors a pure and clear appearance. It also gives the watercolor painting a luminous freshness. I leave any pencil marks in the painting to enhance the simple, direct and unlabored look. I added some wax scribbles to the glass table for texture and interest.