To work on "Round Dance in Tulips" felt like being in a world of movement and color. I wanted to capture the energy of a group dancing together—a rhythm both ancient and timeless. The figures seemed to flow and connect on their own, belonging to the dance rather than the canvas. They weren’t just individuals; they were part of something bigger, something shared.
The tulips grew from this rhythm, too. Their bright reds, yellows, and oranges echoed the dancers’ energy, swaying and blooming in time with the movement. I loved layering colors—cool blues and greens against the warmth of the flowers—finding a balance that felt alive, as if the scene itself was pulsing.
I wanted the texture to feel raw and tangible like you could touch the motion. It wasn’t about perfection but letting the movement spill out, feel alive. It’s the kind of energy found in round dances across cultures—people holding hands, moving in circles. There’s something deeply human about that, something I feel in my own body when I paint.
This piece became a celebration of connection: between people, the earth and flowers, and the dance and viewer. I hope when people see it, they feel the rhythm and a sense of belonging to something greater.
Round Dance in Tulips # 5
30" x 54" x 1.5" oil on canvas 2024
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