Midsummer Wreath (2024) Original Pastel Drawing by Silja Salmistu

In my homeland, one of the magic rituals of St. John´s Night - celebration of summer solstice - among young girls was, to pick 9 different sorts of flowers, braid a wreath, put the wreath under their pillow, so they could meet their future husband in their dreams.
I made the wreath of flowers picked in my neighborhood, and painted it at the same magic night. I had no need for the pillow ritual, as I could celebrate my 22th wedding anniversary the next morning.
This painting is about traditions, celebrating summer, joy and love, but also reminding us of the biodiversity loss, calling for action.

This is original pastel painting. Painted from life on archival quality sanded pastel paper, with finest quality soft pastels.
Comes flat unframed, with advice for framing and care enclosed.

Materials used:

artist grade soft pastels, sanded pastel paper

Details:

• Pastel drawing on Paper
• One of a kind artwork
• Size: 40 x 30cm (unframed) / 40 x 30cm (actual image size)
• Signed on the front
• Style: Impressionistic
• Subject: Flowers and plants