Curtsy

17x17" original oil

sold

I've had this painting in my mind for days and days. The title came without thinking about it because the iris looks as if it's in a curtsy, plus the frilly petals are so feminine. The color choice for the background was also easy - I wanted something white-washy and soft. I usually paint on black or dark brown/purple, but I painted on bright pink for this painting.

The hardest part in this painting was the green stems and buds. They seemed so dark and it was hard to not lighten them up. The contrast is needed, at least for me, because I am a painter that likes high contrast.

Pointed Out

25" x 19", oil
sold

I've had the picture of this tulip sitting in my references since June. I didn't like it because it was pointy. Time went by, and now that's exactly why I like it: it's pointy. I used to try and homogenize every flower I painted. Now, I like finding quirky traits that set a blossom apart from the crowd.

My favorite part about painting flowers is getting to use colors that pack a punch.

Love

24" x 20", oil
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The title for this painting came very easily. The shape and color of the petals remind me of hearts, and I like short, simple titles.

The hardest part about this painting was getting the greys right. The cream part of the petals is anything but just cream. Instead, there are blue-greys, red-greys, yellow-greys, etc. The background is this rich, chocolately red-brown. Tulips and chocolate...excellent gifts. It was great fun to paint.

Goblet

28" x 27", oil

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You know that scene in Sleeping Beauty where the kings are tipsy and drinking their goblets full of that cranberry-colored wine? That's what gave me the idea for this title. Also, when I was a kid we'd get Welch's Sparkling Grape Juice at Thanksgiving time and one special glass each. I loved the juice's color when I'd hold my goblet to the light.

Afternoon Iris

17" x 17", oils
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I love irises. This one was growing at my neighbor's house. She had a whole forest of these purple/golden irises and when it's hot, you can count on seeing her outside with her garden hose, watering her flowers. Thanks Jean for letting me trounce around your yard with my camera!