The dazzling beauty of the iris

My bearded irises are in full bloom and it reminds me of one of my favorite painters, Vincent Van Gogh. He was a master at capturing the dazzling beauty of the iris. However, this perennial is no prima donna. They are hardy and vigorous with flamboyant flowers. The upright petals act as colorful flags to attract pollinating insects while the downward curving petals (or falls) function as a landing pad. The yellow blotches and veining are a guide that directs the insect to the nectar while the fuzzy beard attached to the falls help the pollinator hang on once there. Here I have tried to capture the various parts of the flower in its most basic form.