This is an oil painting I did by visually copying a photo I took.  I was in Los Angeles visiting my sister when I had found this enormous succulent (or at least that's what I call it being I didn't know what it was!) and was drawn to it for the dynamic angles, shapes and directional pull toward the center.  Its beauty and perfection were remarkable to me and I had to paint it when I returned home.  I love how this painting looks in many types of filters so I had to include one other.  Feel free to ask about others if you're interested!  

This was a personal triumph for me in two ways.  First it was an extremely complex painting to plan out without tracing & I remember thinking, "If I can paint this I can paint anything!".  After many labored hours and painstaking yet passionate attention to detail I created something I am quite proud of.  I hung the original in one of my first display galleries and marked it at $1000.  I wasn't taking any less for this valuable proof of my dedication and skill & new I wouldn't be able to let it go for less than I thought it was worth.  To my delight someone else saw its beauty and purchased it soon after it was hung!  

For me, this piece symbolizes the beauty that can come with diligence and love.  I wonder what it might mean for you?