Gardening in Full Technicolor

This work of Joy came together with an ugly start before it transformed.

The first layers of paints were a mix of colors that didn’t really work together. But I did that on purpose so that I’d move through ‘what to put on the blank canvas phase’ and into the part where the painting really starts to come together. I knew I wanted to bring a range of pinks to this canvas—from near purple-pink to a light, sweet pink—and to play with the push and pull of pink and green, amidst these other color surprises.

This work of Joy came to life the way Joy works—what you focus on grows. When you take in these vibrant colors, you can’t help but feel a swell of hope, optimism, and JOY. Even amidst challenging things, like those early ugly marks, the Joy is still there for you to find.

Artist: Sarah C.B. Guthrie
Dimensions: 12 x 12 in
Original artwork