Story behind the art of Crystal Driedger
27th Annual International
American Society of Botanical Artists and the Society of Illustrators
'Abalone Pearl' Peony
Paeonia lactiflora x 'Abalone Pearl'
For the past eight years, my front garden has been a testament to my admiration of peonies. Each spring, my garden transforms into a vibrant tapestry of colors and textures, dominated by these exquisite flowers. Among them, one peony stands out: the first one I planted, the peony ‘Abalone Pearl’.
This peony has grown into a magnificent, show-stopping specimen over the years. Unlike some gardeners, I never trim the side buds that form around the main bloom. I cherish the additional wave of blooms that follow, extending the floral display and offering a prolonged period of enjoyment. The peony's evolution, from its initial bud to its final petal drop, is a daily delight, a living canvas that continuously shifts and transforms.
The most fascinating aspect of this peony is its remarkable color transition. When it first opens, the bloom is a rich, deep coral, exuding vitality, and warmth. As the days pass, this vibrant hue gradually fades to a soft, almost off-white shade. Each day brings a new palette to admire. Capturing this dynamic change was both a challenge and a joy, as it required patience, observation, and a deep appreciation for the nuances of nature. I decided to capture the bloom in its pale pink stage so that it would more easily be identified by the “pearl” in its name, making it easy to submit to the American Society of Botanical Artists’ upcoming thirtieth anniversary Pearl catalog as well.
Over two consecutive years, I dedicated myself to studying this peony. I spent many hours in my garden, sketching and making color matches, capturing the flowers in various stages. I brought samples into my studio, where I continued my studies and refined my techniques. The result of this meticulous process is my completed piece, rendered in colored pencil.
In this artwork, I aimed to draw attention to the subtle places where the bloom retains its initial vibrant coral color. These traces of its former brilliance are nestled between the petals, offering a glimpse into the flower's journey from vibrant youth to serene maturity. The delicate interplay of colors, the soft transitions, and the retained vibrancy all contribute to the narrative of change and continuity.
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Read more about this artist's work: 26th Annual