Australian native flowers continue to be a favourite theme - and I can't resist 'red'! My neighbours large, leafy Tallerack offered a beautiful silver/green background the Coccinea stems which I chose carefully from the market. Arranging the composition and making the most of the beautiful morning light that streams into my home, is all part of the creative process. I initially drew this composition from life on the canvas and there are many background layers. I photograph the composition to refer to before the stems droop, and the colours fade and lose their intensity. The unusual round vase and the reflection of the striped tablemat was an enjoyable challenge to add further interest and detail to this Still Life.