Original Oil Painting Mosaic Clematis

Mosaic Clematis

12" x 12"

Painted on gessobord.

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Original Oil painting Purple Iris

Purple Iris

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9" x 12"

Painted on gessobord.

Original Oil Painting Morning Glory Butterfly

Morning Glory Butterfly

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10" x 10"

Painted on gessobord.

There is only one thought that comes to mind: This was a tough one! It took a lot longer to paint than I thought at first. I thought of chucking it out the windows many times. Instead I would just took a break and come make to it. I was painting from a photo of a butterfly which was terrific except the flowers were hard to make out. In fact I ended up changing the flowers completely from little pink flowers to large purple morning glories. The purple is a compliment to yellow and would help contrast the butterfly. The large flowers and leaves really helped balance the whole painting out. The photo I used is posted below and I hope that helps you understand my problem with it. 

Thanks Robin Brad for an awesome butterfly photo. I hope you do not mind the changes. 

Original Oil Painting Hydrangea

Hydrangea

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10" x 10"

Painted on gessobord.

Yeah, the sun finally arrived today. I was so happy and painting this pretty, blue, purple cluster was just what I needed. This beautiful hydrangea is a perfect addition to my series: Big Flowers on Small Boards. I used a reference photo by Orphie Barella, which is shown below. The photo looked a little washed out so I used photo shop to increase the color and contrast. 

Original Oil Painting Iris

Reflective Iris

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10" x 10"

Painted on gessoboard . 

I completed the iris today. I spent about two hours going over the whole painting. This is a slower process. Towards the end I am adjusting colors with some glazing and painting with more nuggets of color. I check highlights to make sure they are clean and bright. I look for any muddy colors and correct them with a fresh stroke of color. I did add a discord color with the blue to draw attention to areas but only in small amounts. I also added a tint of lemon green to reflective parts. This has to be done very carefully or it can quickly muddy things up. Thanks for viewing my painting and if you would like to know more about my process please scroll down. Have a great Thanksgiving and now I need to walk the dog and make pies!! 

Original Oil Painting Cosmos Wild Flowers

Cosmos Wild Flowers

9" x 12"

Painted on ampersand gessobord.

  I really like how the cherries have circle around to see the wild flowers. This is a very playful painting with dramatic lighting. The sparkle in the glass also has a very playful quality. Thanks for viewing my painting. 

 

Which parts do you like? Comments are always appreciated.

Original Oil Painting Grapefruit Petunias

Grapefruit Petunias

10" x 10"

Painted on gesso panel.

It has been a slow week. Many interruptions and obligations to attend to. Today however I finally finished my painting, yeah!! I worked from a photos on this painting. One photo had fall leafs in  the silver bowl but I decided to put purple petunias in the bowl instead. I used my own reference photos for the petunias. The dish and grapefruit came from my master course photo I am taking. Of course the purple goes so well with the gold since they are complimentary colors. In fact there is a lot of complimentary play in this painting.

Original Oil Painting Pink African Violet

Blue Bird of Happiness

12" x 12"

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With all the warm weather this week I thought a new plant was in order. So I went to Stein's and bought this wonderful pink African violet. I added the glass blue bird of happiness because (you guessed it) I am so happy to get a break from the winter cold. There is such a contrast between the blue bird and everything else but I like the tension. 

Yes, I did change the title a month later to Blue Bird of Happiness instead of Pink African Violets. I have no idea why other than I kept thinking of it as the painting with the blue glass bird in it.

Here are some process pics.

 I first start lightly sketching things in.

 I usually start with the background when mapping colors in.

This is what it looks like with colors mapped in. 

 After I mapped in the subjects I noticed the foreground need some details. I used a Q-tip and marked a place for a leaf and fallen flower. Then I started painting the details in the flowers.

I continue with leaves and glass bird next. After looking at it I decided the table color was wrong. Next morning I tried something lighter which gives the composition more contrast. Since the right side looked unbalance I added another flower in the background. This time I added a long stem and bud.

Original Oil Painting Sliced Tomato in Lucky Dish

Sliced Tomato in Lucky Dish

12" x 12"

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Original Oil Painting Small Bouquet of Flowers

Small Bouquet of Flowers

9"x12"

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Original Oil Painting Crock Peach Lily

Crock, Peach and Lily

16"x 20"

Painted on stretch canvas on a wooden frame.