"Regal Lilies" by Lesley Friedmann is a striking acrylic on board painting that masterfully encapsulates the essence of the Pacific Northwest's natural splendor. The inspiration for this piece stems from a memorable early June morning at Victoria, BC's world-renown Butchart Gardens, specifically within its sunken garden. Friedmann was captivated by the overwhelming fragrance of blooming lilies, leading her to the heart of this enchantment - towering eight-foot-tall lilies, resplendent in hues of white and beige.
What makes this painting particularly captivating is the way Friedmann has rendered the lilies. The early morning sunlight is depicted as filtering through the semi-translucent petals of the lilies, creating a play of light and shadow that is both magnificent and awe-inspiring. This effect adds a dynamic and almost ethereal quality to the painting, highlighting the natural wonder of the scene. In creating "Regal Lilies," Friedmann utilizes her signature technique of building up a textured surface on the board, overlaid with multiple layers of glaze. This method results in a warm and inviting image, rich in surface texture. The painting is a testament to Friedmann’s skill in transforming her surroundings into dynamic, impressionistic, and multilayered mosaic compositions. The artwork is alive with color, showcasing Friedmann’s exceptional ability to capture the vivid beauty of the Pacific Northwest in her art. The overall effect is both calming and exhilarating, inviting the viewer to lose themselves in the natural beauty and artistic mastery of the piece.