I created this piece specifically for ebsq's first ever 'Flower of the Month' challenge - November 2004 - the chrysanthemum! Chrysanthemums are a pleasure to paint because of the variety of "models" to choose from. There are actually about 160 different species of chrysanthemum in varying shades of color, shape, and size. Many have daisy-like flowers (similar to those shown in my piece). In fact, the "Shasta Daisy" that most of us are familiar with is actually a chrysanthemum as well (scientific name - C. maximum). There's a bit of chrysanthemum trivia for you. :-)