Fever Bloom

Fever Bloom began with a walk through the front yard on the way to the studio. Among the roses, daffodils, peonies, and lilies, one amaryllis stood out: its bold red petals glowing against the softer pinks, purples, and whites in the garden.

That moment became the starting point for the painting. I picked a few blossoms and brought them inside, choosing to focus closely on the flowers rather than include the leaves. The background was kept slightly blurred so the red blooms could stay at the center of the piece.

I built the petals with different shades of red and small touches of brown for shadow, then used a palette knife to add the yellow centers. The finished work holds onto the brightness of that first encounter in the garden, with the hope that it brings viewers a quiet sense of warmth and possibility.