This peony painting was a purely indulgent endeavor. For the background, I used a bright blue, which represents the bluest sky one would encounter in a pollution-free sky, where one can breathe clearly. 

The pops of pink peonies are a "Barbie jeep" pink; consisting of the rosiest rose.

The manzanita branch is painted bright gold; it's shape conducting the composition, referencing Japanese Woodblock prints and Van Gogh. Their luxurious shimmer reflects light. 

This painting wields negative space and features asymmetrical balance; the eye is drawn upward and arcs to the right, ending in a flourish of happy, pink, puffballs.

The flat blue-gray greens of the silver dollar eucalyptus are a reprieve for the eye, and are a steady beat, balancing the peonies which are a crescendo of pure joy.