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This is a Sumi-e painting of Asian pink peonies. They are in full bloom in mid May. They have a wonderful fragrance that is delightful to the senses. Peonies are esteemed as one of the most exquisite flowers, the peony is a symbol for nobility and value. The peony became popular in the imperial palaces during the Sui and Tang dynasties, and earned the title of the "king of flowers." A symbol of spring, it is also used as a metaphor for female beauty and reproduction. Pictured in full bloom, the peony symbolizes peace.

In 1994, Yolanda traveled to Bermuda. She visited a quaint little art studio where beautiful watercolors filled the Victorian rooms. The British artist, whose name has been forgotten, painted lovely pristine landscapes. Yolanda fell in love with these pictures and wished to be able to paint, similarly. After her return, she embarked on her journey in watercolor. In recent years, her paintings have centered on vacation places that were special, like Japan, Croatia, Slovenia, Bermuda, Charleston, Arizona, San Diego, Cancun, Santa Fe, Taos, and Albuquerque. Her emphasis is on the indigenous subjects like flowers, plants, missions, houses, beaches, and people. These paintings from her travels formed a series entitled �A Sense of...