Bouquet of lilacs, flowers (2025)Watercolour
by Natalia Butenko

This watercolor depicts a lush bouquet of lilacs in a crystal vase against a deep, dark background. The painting is striking in its contrast: the vibrant, saturated colors of the flowers are especially striking against a muted, almost velvety darkness, from which light seems to emerge.

The lilacs come in a rich range of shades: from soft pink to deep violet and a subtle lilac haze. The small flowers are gathered in dense, heavy clusters, as if freshly cut from a spring garden. The watercolor conveys the vibrant freshness of the lilacs: each cluster appears damp with dew, and the petals are slightly translucent at the edges, as if glowing from within.
A crystal vase stands in the center of the composition and plays with light, capturing both warm and cool highlights. It features delicate green stems refracted in water and glass, creating a sense of depth and fragility. The transparent edges of the vase seem carved from light, delicately outlined by the artist's brush.
The dark background emphasizes the airiness of the lilacs and the crystal clarity of the glass. Rather than oppressing, it creates a dramatic glow, as if the bouquet were ignited in the semi-darkness. This gives the painting an almost theatrical, yet at the same time very vibrant, mood—ceremonial and touching.

Materials used:

Watercolours

Details:

• Watercolour on Paper
• One of a kind artwork
• Size: 27 x 39 x 0.5cm (unframed)
• Signed on the front
• Style: Illustrative
• Subject: Still life