Original artwork description:

Swan Island Dahlias, has been in business for over 88 years. They are the largest and leading dahlia grower in the United States. They are located in the town of Canby, in the rich soil of the Willamette Valley of Oregon. The farm was originally located in Portland, Oregon, with some buildings on Swan Island, which is where the farm's name was derived from.

Swan Island Dahlias hybridizes new varieties, planting over 10,000 seedlings each year. From those original seedlings, it takes about 4 to 5 years to offer a new seedling for sale. Each season they introduce from 5 to 15 new varieties. They grow over 360 varieties on 40 acres that are open to the public during blooming season, and host the largest dahlia festival in the United States featuring over 400 dahlia arrangements during the festival.

I was utterly awestruck the day I painted there. The magnitude of so much color was overflow to my senses. Imagine the honor of being able to paint at such a farm in the height of bloom on a clear warm morning! I was there right after the festival and so avoided the crowds this wonder of the world attracts! Does it get any better?

The variety in the foreground of this painting, Boogie Nites, had unreal color. I've never seen such a color in nature. Somewhere between true magenta and warm violet, with the sun turning the tippie-tips the strongest pink I've ever seen.

Bring this original plein air palette knife painting to your home or office to bring summer cheer. May you always enjoy the intense beauty of the summer dahlia harvest!!! ~Tali

Materials used:

Professional quality oil colours, medium, linen mounted on board

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