Tony Scherman (b. 1950) is one of the most collected and cherished Canadian artists. He is renowned internationally for his work, typically executed in encaustic. It is one of the most difficult materials to work with - and the artist hand mixes , a combination of beeswax, oil, and pigment in his studio.

Peonies are one of Scherman's preferred flowers. He has depicted them on canvas, on paper, and in printmaking. In this work, Scherman deviates from his traditionally moody palette, reminiscent of chiaroscuro, instead offering a gentle balance of complementary pastel tones as he captures the flower through illusory, circular brushwork. The texture and the form capture the ethereal beauty of the flower and emphasizing their transient nature.

The textured layers in the both the foreground and background demonstrate Scherman's mastery of encaustic. His expert layering of this medium creates a multidimensional effect, hiding some leaves while exposing others, ultimately enhancing the air of mystery, the delicateness and fragrance this piece evokes.

Scherman’s work can be found in nearly every public collection in Canada, as well as many international museums including LACMA (Los Angeles) and Centre Pompidou (Paris).