Tapestry II: Roses (First Stage)
Paint is layered in the usual process of oil painting. In this first stage of “Roses,” the carefree placement of flowers is planned for good use of space; the board is already toned with a red-orange hue which, in the end, adds both unity and sparkle. Once I am satisfied with the arrangement and use of space, I start to block in large areas of the flower heads with deeper or darker color since it will serve as shadow area later. This is the second in a series of four similar paintings.
Tapestry I: Gerberas
Here is the first in a series of four large, wide paintings of almost real flowers. In each painting, I accented with a rosy warm red and tried for a softer tone and handling of paint. With patches of paint application, the effect resembles a tapestry or a print on cloth. I will frame each one in white for a fresh, clean look. In the next three days, I will post three stages of the second painting of the set.
Fresh Face
This is a slightly different apple set up from the one I posted some time ago on the same lined napkin. The flesh of the apple is attractive to most painters with its soft whitish color and surrounding deep reds. Our St. Nick celebration last night included the gift of apple; December 6 would be impoverished indeed without our usual apple turnovers. Tradition!
Poinsettia Blossoms
Here and there, gradually slipping up our walls and halls are Christmas red and green. Today, I wonder if Saint Nicholas isn’t partly responsible…at least for the bright red. He was a good and generous Bishop of red robes and kind gifts for others. Children learn of him first through Santa Claus, a variation through time and cultures of his name and person. So in his memory, we celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas every December 6, and we sing: “Jolly, Old Saint Nicholas, bend your ear this way,” and ask Our Lord to come and with us ever stay.
Tweet Me Your Thoughts
Soft blue colors and little white birds…so soothing, so like the realms of the sky. I have been enjoying painting these sculpted, wired knick-knacks from a friend’s kitchen table. Will I ever finish with their charm? I do not think so. But someday I must return them to the owner; surely she misses them!
