I created the "Lilies 2001" series of paintings, because the Calla Lilly has always symbolized to me,  the ultimate flower of elegance and beauty.  Calla Lilies are not abundant in Minnesota,  where I grew up.  They were an extravagance,  usually seen only in beautiful bouquets.

Seeing Calla Lilies in such abundance as we have in California,  is still a thrill to me.  Painting a subject in a series,  brings with it a certain intimacy and fresh knowledge.  In Callas,  I found both a subtle and a strong beauty needed to be expressed on the canvas.  I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of painting the creaminess,  along with the faint color nuances within the whiteness.

This series was created both in the studio and in gardens.  As I watched my own first group of Callas bud,  I began what became a triptych,  three, 8 x 10's depicting bud to full bloom,  titled "Grand Opening".