Monday, February 11, 2013

Painting a Garden of Roses

Without getting too deep psychologically...let's just say that, for me, painting can be like a good therapist. And let's just say, I really needed some therapy these last few weeks!  I actually set aside all of the figurative pieces and portraits in my studio and focused on a quick series of roses.  A few months ago I took dozens of shots of roses in a garden in Chattanooga.  The roses were perfect therapy - colorful, engaging, and relatively quick - I painted 8 in 8 days.


This was the first painting.  All of these panels are 6" x 6" masonite, pre-primed.
I loved the warm orange and peach center framed by the periwinkle blue petals.


I started each painting by focusing on the negative space and background - not the buds and blooms.


Working from the computer screen is so helpful - the colors are so vibrant, and I can zoom in and get all the detail.


This was probably the most complex rose I attempted - not only the number of petals, but the combination of warm and cool.  I had to make the blues pure and bright - but in the shadow.


The first four in the series.


OK this is the 8 paintings.  I don't know why it keeps showing up upside down!  Until I figure it out I'm leaving it like this.  Because, you know, the more issues I have dealing with the little things that really should NOT take ten times to figure out, the more therapy I need, and the more therapy I need, the more I paint...so it's a win-win, really. 


3 comments:

Karla said...

Upside down or right side up they are all wonderful!

maventheavenger aka jamie said...

Lovely!

Vanessa Turner said...

Gorgeous roses! You managed to find such variety amongst your pieces. They are each so different but complement each other well. Beautiful work!