Apricot rose

I decided to set up my easel in the front garden to capture the sunlight on this little gem.   Fun, catching this, since I only have 2 rose bushes I have ever been able to get roses from... this is a thornless variety I bought because I had 2 little granddaughters at the time and didn’t want them to get stuck...
   Sorry for the glare on the photo...

Front and center

Another Warmup for my workshop in the spring. I had fun with the brushwork on this flower, which takes front and center in this little 6x6.  This one sold to someone during the workshop.

Day 19

Day 19 of the 30/30 challenge

     I am really having fun with this month's challenge.   I get excited about my paintings, and have fun struggling with the next composition.  (It also gives me a perfect excuse to visit the thrift store across the street for more finds)   ha, although my husband accuses me laughingly of being a hoarder..... I am NOT.... ha...

     A close up of yesterdays bouquet... I must paint these quickly, because, being in the strong light of my set-up, the flowers open up while I am painting, and it makes it hard to get the shapes and values right.  quick is best, as a photo does little good in this situation.

Day 9

Day 9 of the 30/30 challenge

     Back to my daisy again.  My turquoise little teeny vase saves the day... Love the color and shape, and the daisy gives it the bit of organic shape for a contrast.... I like the red background against the turquoise, too.   Those daisies from Trader Joes last a LONG time... yay

Day 6

Day 6 of the 30/30 challenge.

     I did 2 versions of the daisy painting, which I posted the first one day before yesterday.  I wanted to try a different, looser approach, so I timed my painting, and stopped just before 30 minutes.  

     Here is the result of the second painting. 

     Which version do YOU prefer?

Day 4 of the 30/30 challenge

I've gotta get going on flowers again... I love painting them, but they are challenging.   

    Keep the Faith.....

Stargazer lily #103

 

    I painted stargazers years ago in watercolor, and it's funny how remembering that feeling of painting them came back to me on this one.    In oil, the colors continually mesh, blend, whatever you want to call it, and it's hard to maintain the integrity of the petal... (There is also a LOT of detail in each particular petal.)  The shape, texture, color and value have to be given utmost consideration..... ha !

Tiny vase painting #79

SOLD

     I'll admit it.... Garage sales, and yard sales get my heart thumpin'... Just can't help it, I'm addicted.  I used to have antique mall booths with my sister, and that gave me a perfect excuse to shop.  Now I've given that up, because it took soooo very much time, but I still have to get out there every Sat. morning, in case there is some treasure that might get by me !  ha 
     I found this darling little tiny triangular vase, along with a couple of other little guys that had some unusual shapes, and I was so anxious to try painting them.   Here's the first one.... It doesn't take much to make me happy, I guess.  ha ha

Coffeebreak Rose 2

 

     Did I mention that these roses are HARD to paint !  whew, I'm trying my darnest !  This time I did put in a little sketch with my paintbrush first, which helped in the organization of it, but STILL..... It's really hard to get the freshness, as well as the stark contrast on the petals... never fear, I'm going to keep at it til the thing wilts !!!  ha ha

 

Roses are so hard to paint.... I wiped the first one, and kept the second, but I'm gonna keep painting it, until it gets easier !!!   (I could be all year ! ha ha )

Sunflowers painting #56

 

The last batch of sunflowers 'expired' before I had a chance to paint them.... how sad.  These are from the Tower Grove farmer's market yesterday, and I was bound and determined to get them onto the canvas (gessobord, really) before they bit the dust.  The market has incredible community support.  It offers music by a local radio station, who provides a band.  Load of interested people with their dogs, children, and a total eclectic flavor... as well as wonderful local produce, specially made meats, free-range eggs, and lots of great stuff !

'Pinched' Painting #50

 

     I knew I had to call this one, 'Pinched' because that is what the Brits call it when you help yourself to something that isn't actually yours !   I found these pink and red blossoms on some bushes growing on the back lot of a car fix-it place close to my house.   Just so happened, (who would have thought it) I had a clipper in my car.... HA HA.... 

Close-Up Painting #47

SOLD

     Thought I'd better paint these a few more times, before they completely fade.  The color on these purples ones is so deep and dramatic !  My blue hydrangeas have mostly faded to an off white, in this heat !!

In the Studio Painting #42

 

     These daisies last a long time.... they are interesting to paint, because of the slight shadows that fall along the petals.  Included with the mason jar is the old zinc screw-on lid.

For brush cleaning tips, go to the following post......

Single Daisy Painting #41

     The daisies are huge and prolific this year, just like the other spring blooms.   Here's a single one, all sturdy and almost 'smiling'...  ha ha


 I redid the background, so it wasn't so intense.  Which do you prefer?
this pic was originally posted in June, 2012...

Hydrangeas today... Painting #37

     The hydrangeas in my backyard are so beautiful this year.... maybe because of the mild winter we have had.   Today's painting shows the 3 different colors of flowers scattered on two of my bushes.   I think the periwinkles are the prettiest !

Gerbera Daisy Painting #24

 

     These always look so great at the nursery, then I bring them home.   Maybe I'll have to get some Miracle Grow to keep them blooming ! 

Tree Peony Painting #16

     This grows on a tree peony, which is similar to a regular peony, but has a woodier stalk.  The blooms measure about 7" across, and are the most incredible beauties....
     I changed the upper corners from the brighter, darker greens to the softer, lighter, soft edge background.  I think it helps the composition, keeping it from being so symmetrical. What do YOU think?

Ranunculus. Painting #10

 

 These have been my favorite flower since I fell in love with them at a 'Home Show" many years ago.  It's the first time I remember seeing them, and I just thought they were beautiful.   Apparently they don't grow in my part of the country, because I try, in vain to get them to grow EVERY year !  (You'd think I finally learn, and just buy the cut flowers for my table ! Ha !)

Gerbera Daisies #7

Do any of you remember these when we were kids?  I don't...  Maybe they were hybridized or something, but anyway, I love them...

I DO have the traditional daisies in my garden, and love those too !