Horis Diei—Latin for “daylight hours”—is a celebration of the high summer garden, a moment suspended in warmth, colour, and movement. Painted from life, this piece draws on the energy of heliantus and rudbeckia, among other flowers growing freely in my garden. Their vivid, sun-soaked blooms embody the very essence of summer: brightness, abundance, and impermanence.

The Latin title connects not only to the sun-following nature of these plants—Heliantus, from helios, meaning “sun”—but also to a deeper reflection on time. These are the flowers of the longest days, flourishing during the most generous hours of light. In Horis Diei, I wanted to capture the vitality of that fleeting window, when life is at its fullest, and light stretches endlessly across the hours. The brushwork is gestural and layered, allowing each bloom to feel as if it’s caught in motion, responding to breeze and brilliance alike.

Mixed media and oil on board

80.5 cm w x 106 cm h Unframed size.