Dale Chihuly Two Leaves One Lilly Wax Pastel Drawing on Paper

Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Two Leaves One Lilly
Medium: Wax Pastel on Paper
Paper Size: 30" x 22 1/2"
Frame Size: 35" x 27.5"
Date: Circa 1990-2000
Documentation: Comes with a gallery certificate of authenticity

Dale Chihuly's Two Leaves One Lilly is a vibrant pastel drawing on paper, measuring 30" x 22 1/2". Created circa 1990–2000, this work reflects Chihuly's dynamic artistic vision and his innovative approach to capturing movement and form.

This drawing exemplifies Chihuly's ability to merge traditional and contemporary aesthetics, a hallmark of his celebrated Venetian series. In collaboration with Italian glass maestro Lino Tagliapietra, Chihuly explored classical vessel forms paired with exuberant, unexpected embellishments. Drawings like Two Leaves One Lilly were often conceived as visual blueprints for these glass masterpieces, serving both as a communication tool for his team and as standalone expressions of artistic energy.

The composition showcases sweeping, gestural strokes that depict a stylized, almost abstract floral form. Layers of bold color—green, pink, and teal—contrast against the textured paper, creating depth and vitality. The expressive lines radiate spontaneity, echoing the dynamic forms and intricate detailing found in Chihuly's glass sculptures.

Chihuly's practice of drawing evolved over time from simple sketches to a medium of exploration and creativity. By employing vibrant pastels and fluid motions, he captures the essence of his glasswork while allowing for a unique interplay of light and color on paper. This evolution is evident in Two Leaves One Lilly, where the immediacy and movement of the drawing evoke the fluidity of molten glass.

The piece comes with a gallery certificate of authenticity and is currently unframed, though framing can be arranged upon request.

About Dale Chihuly

Dale Chihuly is a legendary figure in contemporary art, celebrated as one of the most innovative glass artists of his time. Famous for monumental works like the Bellagio ceiling in Las Vegas and the Rotunda Chandelier at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, his creations are coveted by collectors and revered in the world of decorative arts.

Chihuly's path to prominence began with his studies in interior design and sculpture, earning both scientific and artistic degrees from top institutions. A Fulbright Fellowship took him to Venice in the late 1960s, where he apprenticed at the renowned Venini Glass Factory. Immersed in the traditions of Murano glassblowing, Chihuly brought ancient techniques into the modern era, revitalizing the medium and earning international acclaim.

His illustrious body of work includes seminal series such as Cylinders and Baskets in the 1970s, Macchia, Venetians, and Persians in the 1980s, and Niijima Floats and Chandeliers in the 1990s. The Fiori series, introduced in the 2000s, continues to showcase his mastery of form, color, and light.

An accident in the 1970s left Chihuly blind in one eye and unable to blow glass, leading him to transition into a role as the artistic director of his studio. This change expanded his creative vision, enabling him to design monumental works while collaborating with a skilled team of artisans.

With artwork featured in over 200 prestigious collections and twelve honorary doctorates to his name, Dale Chihuly's legacy is defined by his ability to transform glass into a medium of boundless artistic expression. His influence continues to shape the contemporary art world today.