I painted these majestic irises from nature during our trip to Tuscany last year. Whenever I see irises, especially purple ones, I recall the artworks of the great Japanese engraver Ando Hiroshige. I am endlessly inspired by his airy and graphically bold floral masterpieces. In this painting, I tried to express the graphic harmony and the picturesque richness of flowers. Shimmering in the sunlight, various shades of purple on the petals and warm green tones on the stems and leaves contrast with the cold purple and ultramarine in the shadows. With broad strokes, I depicted a wisteria blooming in the background. It's delicate purple hues are in perfect harmony with irises.