poppy burst

Medium

Traditional

Artist Notes

An art customer asked me recently, “Derek, how can a hardened combat veteran demonstrate such passion in art?” Many have misconceptions about Soldiers. Soldier support agencies and family members keep the Soldier’s heart alive. To be successful you have to use the carrot/stick approach, a fighter with one hand and a helper with the other.

This floral to me represents the soft romantic side that everyone has; they just have different ways of showing it. Not many people wake up; look in the mirror and say, “I am going to be a bad person today.” Generally I believe most people are good but have different beliefs and are motivated by different things. Notice I said “most people”. For the life of me I cannot begin to perceive the thought process or reasoning of a terrorist. I pretty much understand everyone else.

The poppy to me also represents life. A flower may only live for a few days, or maybe a week or two. During that short lifetime the flower blooms and takes full advantage by being wide open during the majority of its life. People should do the same. Too often I see small problems or even large problems take control of someone’s life and affect their future and well-being. I try to reflect on this when I have a problem and what I tell younger people is that they will live to 70-80 years old. You are young and have a long time to live. One year from now this problem will seem like nothing. Carry on and take full advantage of life, like the flower.

While painting this floral I used a series of different techniques to create depth and texture; a hard thing to do with watercolors. I also used pen and ink and charcoal to complete this work. I never paint when I am upset. I woke up with this image in my head and grabbed a brush and did not stop until I was complete. This painting was painted while I was in a high energetic spirit inspired by the poppies beautiful bloom and contrast red colors.