Tree peonyAcrylic 8 x 10
I really do need to learn to say no. But I am tempted by so many things, and I am weak.
This week was the Virtual Sketch Date and after missing last month's due to other commitments, I vowed I would do the September date. The reference image came from Sharon at Flat Sound of Wooden Clogs and lovely it was too, this tree peony.
As readers of this blog know, I am not a painter of flowers, at least not often. I know I can do them if I concentrate, but I have a mental block around drawing flowers. I say they're too complex then go on and draw an animal in detail. Go figure... I do like to push myself outside my comfort zone and find that it always improves my powers of observation as well as my drawing or painting skills.
I used some acrylics that were sitting on my studio table from a lesson I did the other night with someone and I was too lazy to haul out the oil paints. Acrylics can be useful, but I do prefer oils. I think the quick drying of the acrylics becomes a little annoying to me as I like to have the ability to move the paint around. But I persevered and here is the result. Am I happy with it? No, not completely. The petal portion is where I fumbled, as is usual. The folds frustrated me and I was having distinct problems finding the right colour values for the petals. I may tinker with the piece in the future, but I think it may stand as it is.
25 comments:
Jeanette,
It's lovely, one wouldn't know that you struggled with the acrylics - how do you get so much detail with paints? Far beyond me my dear. Well done.
Jeanette, we are each our own toughest critics. This is lovely and I would never guess you struggled with flowers or with the acrylics. I also really like the mix of colors you have in the table. I'm glad you didn't learn to say no for this one. :)
Really pretty version. I had trouble with the colors of the petals too. Lost all my highlight. Glad you joined this month.
Jeanette, very nice. I think you did great on the petals. Hard to do without having the wet into wet like with oils. I love it.
I love this version - doesn't look at all like you struggled. I can't say no either - I hate to miss out on something fun!!
The learning curve these challenges set are so important.
I do like your result: it's strong in contrast and colour:)
Its a shame you're not so happy with it - I would be, I like it.
Your mental block doesn't show at all! Such a lovely soft, gentle blossom on the strong background - beautiful!
I think it is beautiful. You have got the softness and lightness of the petals beautifully (they had me cross-eyed too!).
I think you may just be a flower painter, this is beautiful.
This is lovely - great job in acrylics and I think your petals have wonderful shading.
Oh, I think it's lovely. I got lost in those petal folds too. I really like the softness of this though.
its very pretty, doesn't look like you struggled at all!
It's unanimous! We like it! Don't change a thing!
Thanks everyone, your encouragement WILL make a flower painter out of me yet! :)
Very pretty, and i love the subtle muted colors....looks like it is sitting proudly on a mid 1890's table....love it.
Despite your struggles, the end result is soft and appealing. Lovely.
So beautifully done!
Great job Jeanette, it sort of looks like watercolor to me, nice soft feeling to it, atmospheric like something Edgar Degas would have done.
What a lovely painting you've done! Delightful.
How you keep the soft look, that your work always has, through every medium is just amazing to me.
This is lovely!
I also love the softness and the subtle colours. I think the texture of your board/canvas adds a real quality as well. You're clever to handle acrylics so well.
fess up... you took a picture and used a filter.
So, glad you participated. It would a great loss not to have seen your talent on the photo.
Sherrie Roberts
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