Not having done it before, I'm finding the preparation necessary to present a range of paintings at the local Art Fair very time consuming. This, along with getting organised for the family wedding that takes place next week and the holiday that follows, is making it difficult to keep up with the workmen doing the repairs and painting before the winter sets in. Never mind, I don't want to sound as if I have much to complain about, the only real problem is lack of painting time, in particular opportunities for plein air work. Fortunately there are lots of things around the house that make interesting subjects for painting.
It seems that I've spent a lot of recent painting time looking at flowers, it's easy to understand how so many people specialise in botanical painting, they make fascinating subjects. One of the things that interests me about painting flowers is the tension between maintaining a loose impressionistic approach and the urge to try and capture in detail the beauty of the blooms.
On this occasion I had left my box and brushes on the kitchen table so decided to give them a cameo role alongside the flowers.
Still Life October 20th - watercolour on Not paper 16" x 12"
8 comments:
Nice and loose Mick and a nice little composition with good colours and good drawing, but nit picking are things weighted too much towards the right hand side of the painting giving a slightly lopsided appearance? The only other very minor comment is that the vase with the flowers in needs to be anchored a little - it could give the impression it's floating on air.
Peter - I was a little exercised by the composition of this and I'm not sure that I have the tools to make a judgement about it although I'm not totally comfortable about it. I tried to anchor the vase with the shadow on the left and after doing it I thought it was weak and chickened out of building it up with another wash.
I understand about the preparation work for a fair, will you be doing a demo? Good to have an update from you, all the best for the show. I love the freshness in your still life painting Mike, the composition works well enough for me, maybe I would have moved the vase over just slightly more to the right. But that is me being fussy. The colours are excellent and the loose painterly style first class. A wee gem Mike done under the pressure of daily tasks around you.
Caroline - Thanks for your kindness. As to the show, my intention is to do a demonstration but I've yet to decide whether to set up a still life for watercolour or do something with the oils. Just another little matter to exercise me before show date.
Hi Mick, I think this is very charming..... soft, subtle and fluid.If you don't have the inspiration or the nerve to add any more shadows, then don't! It stands well as is (as much as one can tell on a monitor)...and if you have already struggled so with it I would be inclined to leave well alone. Often when I go back into paintings, I find that they were best left alone. There is something about the freshness of the initial intention which often gets lost while trying to correct..
Maggie - Thanks for the good advice. I find it's a good idea to put paintings aside for a few days before making hasty adjustments for the very reason that you state.
water colour seems to suit your delicate touch mick
love the little colors on the palette
Rob - Thanks. I do enjoy watercolour as a medium and it is so convenient when time is short. The colours just came neat out of the box.
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