Here is “Hope Bubbles Up”–the newest addition to my Lotus series.
This painting differs from the rest of my work in this series because it has bubbles!
![Hope Bubbles Up. 30" x 24", Oil on Wood, © 2016 Cedar Lee](https://www.artbycedar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Hope-Bubbles-Up.jpg)
The bubbles were an impulsive addition. When I looked at the rest of the painting–the loose, splashy, fun feel of it, I thought, “This needs bubbles!”
![Close-up detail: Hope Bubbles Up. 30" x 24", Oil on Wood, © 2016 Cedar Lee](https://www.artbycedar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Hope-Bubbles-Up-detail1.jpg)
The bubbles are rising up through the colors, both transparent and reflective.
![Close-up detail: Hope Bubbles Up. 30" x 24", Oil on Wood, © 2016 Cedar Lee](https://www.artbycedar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Hope-Bubbles-Up-detail2.jpg)
The bubbles work alongside the symbolism of the Lotus flower–ethereal, rising up. They also suffuse the whole image with a feeling of fun and joyfulness.
![Close-up detail: Hope Bubbles Up. 30" x 24", Oil on Wood, © 2016 Cedar Lee](https://www.artbycedar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Hope-Bubbles-Up-detail3.jpg)
Most of the painting was done with a palette knife. I created a sculptural texture with cold wax medium. Because it’s painted on wood, I was able to lay on the paint very thickly.
![Close-up detail: Hope Bubbles Up. 30" x 24", Oil on Wood, © 2016 Cedar Lee](https://www.artbycedar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Hope-Bubbles-Up-detail4.jpg)
![Close-up detail: Hope Bubbles Up. 30" x 24", Oil on Wood, © 2016 Cedar Lee](https://www.artbycedar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Hope-Bubbles-Up-detail5.jpg)
It’s a big painting and was so much fun to make. I’m already working on something similar that’s even larger!
![Cedar Lee with her Lotus art: Hope Bubbles Up. 30" x 24", Oil on Wood, © 2016 Cedar Lee](https://www.artbycedar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Hope-Bubbles-Up-scale-680x1024.jpg)
![Hope Bubbles Up. 30" x 24", Oil on Wood, © 2016 Cedar Lee](https://www.artbycedar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Hope-Bubbles-Up2.jpg)
My Spring Sale will be coming to a close in only 3 days. Many are sold, but there’s still time to claim a painting before the sale is over, and get free shipping, a free gift, and more. Go check it out!