Prior to Parrot Tulips I had done two other paintings that were primarily "monochromatic": Blue Hostas and Squash Blossom. Such paintings are a challenge and I freely admit to going "color blind" on the previous two - I get to the point where I can no longer really see what I have achieved and tend to focus on my frustrations. Usually I only appreciate these paintings months after they are completed. I chose to paint Parrot Tulips precisely because of this - to see if I had learned anything from my two previous "monochromatic" paintings and also because I am not fond of pink. That may sound strange, that I would choose a subject which is, in part, something I dislike but it really isn't like that at all. First of all the shapes here are amazing! The fold and curl of all those petals, some in bright light, some in shadow are a delight! And while overall the painting is "pink" there are so many colors here so as not to be overwhelmed. I'm very pleased!