One of my homegrown tulips. This variety is called a Rainbow Parrot. As the bud unfurls into feathery petals, the subtle muted colors saturate into vivid purples, reds, greens and yellows.
I love flowers at every stage of their life cycle, from bud to full bloom to fading bloom. This image captures the moment before the bud bursts open. I like to think of nature's energy intensifying inside it.
The parrot tulip is said to symbolize true love.
See also my Flaming parrot tulip Rainbow tulip & Burning fire tulip
Archival pigment print on smooth matt Hahnemühle Photo Rag 308 gsm heavyweight art paper.