Pastry & Peony brings together a few of my favourite things: flowers from my garden, two favourite vases, and a special treat from the local grocery store. The composition centres on a white peony sitting behind a strawberry cream puff, the epitome of summer. The sweetness is set against a black-and-white striped vase I return to often—something about its bold pattern adds balance to the softer shapes of the flowers.
This still life is both bold and sweet. The strong lines in the striped black-and-white vase and the vivid reds of the glazed strawberries contrast with the soft petals and gentle palettes of the surrounding flowers. Framing the moment is a white peony—open, full, and quietly expressive—bordered by peach and pink irises and sprigs of lavender. In the foreground, the cream puff rests on crinkled paper, filled with strawberries. Its glaze catching the light, the dessert adds a touch of indulgence to the quiet elegance.
This piece plays with contrasts—between structure and softness, vibrant and subtle, grounded and ephemeral. Together, these everyday elements become something more—a quiet moment of beauty, richness, and subtle joy.