This miniature nature study keeps things loose on purpose, because it's a painting about immediacy. A fleeting moment caught in color. While it has less layering and less detail than a fully polished painting, this loose study holds the fresh, lively feel of a plein air painting. Think of this as a moment caught to bring you joy before it flutters away.

The pale yellow-green butterfly and the hot pink petunia are almost embarrassingly rich in color. I love how varnish intensifies the colors so they look fresh out of their tubes. (My varnished watercolors look very much like oils, quite gem-like.) This piece is part of a growing series of affordable originals: unframed studies, drawings, and sketches created for collectors who want to start small, give a meaningful gift, or bring home a one-of-a-kind original without waiting for a grand production or shuffling of precious wall space.

If you love art that feels intimate, immediate, and a little bit joyful, this one may be your sort of thing. When is the best time to buy art? Whenever you first fall in love with a piece!