I’ve been refining this oil painting called Whiskey Roses, and it has finally come together in a way that feels complete and natural to me.

Two white-pinkish pastel roses lingering in a whiskey bottle, with that warm sunlight coming through from the side. I was really drawn to how the light hits the glass and brings out those amber tones—the oranges and golds in the whiskey. There’s something about that warmth that just feels good to look at. Someone said, "but whiskey would kill roses," and I replied, "not in my art world."

It is called artistic liberty and my message is that the feminine and masculine can live in harmony together.

Besides the harmonious message of masculine meets feminine, what I also like about this piece is the contrast which is pure eye candy. It simply feels good to look at. You have the softness of the roses, and then the solidity of the bottle. It’s a little unexpected, but it works. It feels balanced in a way that’s hard to explain, but I think you can feel it when you look at it.

I’ve been painting a lot of roses lately and I am enjoying my progression, but this one feels a little different. A little more grounded, maybe. Less about being perfect, and more about capturing a moment and making a statement. Male and female living together peaceably, the soft and the rugged being calmly unanimous as one beautiful existence. 

In my world, roses don’t always end up in a traditional vase. Sometimes they land in a whiskey bottle—and I kind of like that.

Whiskey Roses  
14" x 11"  
Oil on panel

Kristen Ulla