Both pieces done from life, observing an orchid that I took home from my job at a catering company. After working an amazing breast cancer awareness event, I was granted the privilege of taking home one of the beautiful pink orchids. I knew immediately that I wanted to paint it once I got home! I have always enjoyed painting from life and it always forces me to be true to my own vision and simply paint what I see as opposed to the struggle of painting from photos and finding the balance of staying true to the photo without trying to simply duplicate the digital image.