"Mayfield Water Lilies"

I have finished this large (24" x 24") painting. I concentrated on the realistic presentation of the water lily pads and flowers. It is totally different style from my previous large painting "ICU heroes". When should I do a realistic painting, and when an abstract one? I feel the control is not up to me, especially large paintings. I need quite a few days to paint one, so I just go with the flow. The painting evolves right in front of me, Just like the flowers. I don't think I "created" this painting, I felt like an gardener. My job simply is to provide the as good as possible conditions for the water lilies to grow and bloom. If the painting turns out a good one. I usually spend a long time in front of it to enjoy the beauty of the visual presentation.