I first planted these lilies a few years ago after my mom shared a few from her own garden. Since then, they’ve become a quiet highlight of midsummer—rising tall and bright along the back of our house. Their speckled orange petals feel joyful and wild, like a burst of celebration tucked into the green. My daughters love to watch as each bloom unfolds and, later, as the seed pods dry and reveal tiny black“berries.” These little transformations always remind me how much beauty happens in the in-between.
Iris domestica. Commonly known as the blackberry lily or leopard lily, this flowering plant is native to East Asia but thrives easily in many climates. Its freckled blooms and glossy black seeds make it a favorite among gardeners who appreciate both elegance and surprise.
About the Golden Halo Collection:
Each miniature painting celebrates light, resilience, and the quiet wonder found in nature’s details. Watercolor, gold ink, and acrylic medium combine to form delicate studies of flora and fauna—butterflies, moths, and wildflowers—that invite us to pause, notice, and be restored by nature’s beauty.
Born from a desire to slow down and reconnect, Golden Halo continues my exploration of stillness and renewal through the natural world. Every piece reflects my belief that beauty can be found in even the smallest subjects—each framed by a radiant circle of gold, symbolizing the light that endures within and around us.
Details:
Medium: Watercolor and gold ink on paper, coated with acrylic medium
