Rose Bouquet

Well, I'm going to start sounding like a complete cynic, and likely won't have any friends left in the floral industry, however, I really don't care for roses all that much.

My opinion is that they are highly overrated, bred only for size, (in Ecuador where most of them are grown/imported from), and the large long stemmed ones don't even have that lovely old fashioned rose scent anymore. That's sadly been bred out of them as well.

• Plus, they're a real pain to clean, all those thorns, which are like shark's teeth, and I've cleaned thousands, for Valentine's day, Mother's day, and all those weddings that I've worked on in the past. When thorns on them prick your skin, (the consumer doesn't see these because they've already been taken off the stems), then thumbs and fingers swell up due to the nasty pesticides and other chemicals used on them where they're grown.

• So, now you ask, why did I want to paint a picture of something I've stated that I don't much care for?

Well, I suppose it was the challenge of doing it, of course!

This painting, pictured above, is the end result.

• Rose Bouquet ~ acrylic on canvas ~ 18" x 22" ~ Karen Sloan

Thanks for stopping by : )