Pseudonarcissus

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
- William Wordsworth

Pseudonarcissus is the scientific name for daffodils: Narcissus pseudonarcissus. The pseudo part plays on the myth of Narcissus who fell in love with his reflection in water, as it calls into question which is the truer usage of the name Narcissus.

The picture was painted while the pictured flowers were in bloom during March, 2014. I frequented the garden where they were flowering, and watched as new buds arose and old blooms withered.

The water is from my imagination and is my favourite part of the composition: To me it recalls late Victorian painting and illustration. I believe I succeeded in creating a crepuscular and calm atmosphere in this painting.

Below is a shot of the painting in production.

Thanks to my mom for scanning the following painting of Yellow Irises I did in high school in 1992. It has some remarkable similarities with Pseudonarcissus.