A painting of white peony flowers on a dark background showing the different stages of the life of the plant, from roots and decay, to buds and blossoming.

ABOUT THE PAINTING PEONIES – LIFE CYCLES

Peonies – Life Cycles

36 x 60 inches

Water soluble wax paint on wood panel

Available for purchase

The Language of Flowers, the Rhythm of Life

Nature speaks in cycles. From the turning of the seasons to the rising and setting of the sun, every living thing moves through a dance of transformation—birth, flourishing, decline, and renewal. This rhythm is woven into our lives, our emotions, and our very existence. And yet, we often resist it, clinging to moments we wish would last forever or pushing impatiently against those we long to escape.

This painting, “Peonies – Life Cycles“, is an exploration of these mysteries—an invitation to witness the beauty in every stage of existence. The white peony, a flower rich in symbolism, unfolds across the panel in different phases of its journey. From bud to bloom to fading petals returning to the earth, it mirrors the rhythms of life, reminding us that each stage carries its own power and wisdom.

When we recognize where we are in our own cycle—whether in a time of blossoming or a season of retreat—we can align with the natural flow of life, moving with it rather than against it. This is the wisdom of nature, and it is the message of the peony.

The Painting as a Map of Time

The composition of “Peonies – Life Cycles” moves from earth to sky, from descent to ascent, forming a journey through the cycle of life. Each section of the painting carries a unique energy, a distinct portal into one of life’s great movements.

The Lower Third: Death, Renewal & The Roots of Life

In the lower portion of the painting, a white peony bows toward the earth, its petals fading, surrendering to the cycle of decay. This is the season of endings, the quiet hush of autumn and winter, the realm of twilight and night. But in nature, death is never an end—it is transformation. To the right, a portal opens to reveal the plant’s roots reaching into the dark, fertile soil, drinking in nourishment. What fades above regenerates below.

This section speaks of the unseen forces at work beneath every ending—the rich compost of experience that becomes the foundation for new life. It is a reminder that even in times of loss, something is being woven in the dark, preparing to emerge anew.

The Middle Third: The Fullness of Life

At the center of the painting, a fully opened white peony radiates its beauty. Its creamy yellow center glows, surrounded by soft shadows of lavender and blue. This is the fullness of life, the peak of summer, the brightness of midday. It is a moment of expansion, of wholeness.

Yet, even in the height of bloom, there is a quiet whisper of impermanence. A single streak of magenta marks one of the petals, a reminder that change is always present, even in the midst of abundance. This section invites us to embrace the present moment fully—to recognize the gift of what is, without clinging to it.

The Upper Third: Beginnings & The Promise of What’s to Come

At the top of the painting, two peony buds and a partially opened flower turn toward the sky, reaching toward the light. Their leaves are a fresh, tender green, filled with the energy of new beginnings. This is the realm of spring, of morning, of birth and potential.

This section carries the excitement of what has yet to unfold, the first breath of a new cycle. It reminds us that every beginning holds infinite possibility, that every stage of life is woven with the next. What is now in bud will one day bloom, and what blooms will eventually return to the earth, beginning the dance again.

The White Peony: A Flower of Mystery & Transformation

The white peony has long been revered for its beauty and symbolism. In many traditions, it is a flower of purity, grace, and spiritual transformation. In Chinese culture, the peony represents honor, wealth, and feminine beauty, while in the language of flowers, it signifies devotion, healing, and renewal. White peonies, in particular, are associated with deep wisdom and a connection to the unseen realms—making them flowers of both presence and mystery.

Much like the cycles depicted in the painting, the white peony carries a quiet understanding of time. It blooms generously, yet its petals fall with equal grace. It embodies both the fullness of life and the inevitability of change. In this way, it is a teacher—showing us how to embrace every stage with openness, knowing that each one is essential to the whole.

Aligning with the Cycles of Life

We are always moving through cycles, both internally and externally. There are times when we feel in full bloom—radiant, expansive, overflowing with life. And there are times when we are in the composting phase, shedding old layers, retreating, dissolving. There are moments of emergence, where something new begins to take shape, and moments of rest before the next wave begins.

By understanding where we are in our own cycle, we can align with the natural forces that shape our lives, allowing them to guide us rather than resisting them. When we are in a time of blossoming, we can step forward with confidence, sharing our gifts. When we are in a time of descent, we can trust that something essential is being transformed beneath the surface.

This painting is an invitation to recognize and honor these movements within ourselves. To trust that every phase—whether a beginning, a peak, or an ending—is necessary and beautiful.

Bringing “Peonies – Life Cycles” Into Your Space

This artwork is a visual meditation on life’s unfolding. It is a powerful piece to place in a home or space where renewal, transformation, and deep alignment with life’s rhythms are welcomed.

– For those navigating change, this painting serves as a reminder that every ending is also a beginning, and that growth is always at work beneath the surface.
– For those in creative cycles, it offers inspiration to honor the flow—knowing when to push forward and when to pause, when to bloom and when to regenerate.
– For those seeking harmony in relationships, the peonies reflect the natural give and take, the cycles of deepening and renewal that shape love over time.

Wherever it is placed, “Peonies – Life Cycles” carries the wisdom of the seasons, the breath of time, and the quiet assurance that all things move in rhythm with the great unfolding of life.

This original painting is an invitation to step into the flow and embrace the beauty of each moment.

Currently there are no prints available of this painting.

If you are interested in purchasing the original painting, simply email info@yohannajessup.com with your name, address and title of the painting. I’ll be in touch to coordinate packing, shipping and transportation of your new artwork.