When Did You Last Buy Yourself a Rose?

"Red Rose"

Acrylic on Masonite, 4-1/2x8," c. Catherine Vines

   

To paint naturally. 

I was completely intimidated by the Daily Paintworks Challenge rose painting challenge, so I bought a silk flower to paint. If this seems like cheating to you, I have read that Manet, among others, would paint from artificial flowers. 

Manet's flower paintings, especially those completed in the final years of his life, are the ultimate to me.