Hydrangeas, Etc.

Amaryllis, 10"x7", Oil on Board

Dahlia, 10"x7", Oil on Canvas

 

I spent most of today getting these two paintings ready for the Judith Klein Gallery,  Both are being reworked.  The Dahlia originally had a cobalt blue ground with some very loosely worked greens in the lower third.  The Amaryllis has been cut down.  Originally there was a dark blue pot and Oriental rug.  There is still work to be done.  I think I will increase the leaf sizes in the dahlia.  

Hydrangeas, Oil on Board, 23"x34"

I did find time to work in one more small blossom, right in the center.  Looking here I think I may be half way across the board.  I definitely need to lessen the intensity of the blue blossom in the lower left corner.  

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas, Oil on Board, 23" x 34"

I put in the light blue blossom in the upper left corner today.  It still needs work to settle on how distinct it will be.  I think once the pink blossom in front of it has stronger lights and darks to contrast with it, the blue will seem less chromatic.  But I believe it is a better approach than the one to the right of the pink blossom.  It is too loose and fuzzy (fuzzy:  a very professional way of saying non linear)

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas, Oil on Board, 23"x34"

I worked until dark today and need a spotlight to photograph my progress.  As a result, the left side is washed out with glare.  But I did finish the 2nd stage of the pink blossom.  The remainder of the blossoms will not be as sharply defined.  I started to experiment with two of them.  But I believe I need to increase the clarity, linearity.  

I went to the Duxbury Art Complex today in order to see my painting without the crowds that will be at the closing.  There are impressive works among the selections.  It's good for me to see my work juxtaposed with others.  It helps up my efforts at quality.  I also noticed that my piece is bowing a bit.  I really need to fix this problem with painting on board.  

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas, Oil on Board, 23"x34"

One of the most perfect paintings I have seen is Rogier Van de Weyden's Decent from the Cross.  It almost makes me weep.  I've been thinking about it as I ponder the blues of this painting.  Weyden's Virgin is in blue and she so perfectly echoes Christ's body as if she herself were crucified.  

Decent from the Cross, Roger Van de Weyden

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas, Oil on Board 23"x34"

I started on the pink hydrangea today.  I will determine later if the hue is correct or good for the unity of the piece.  

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas, Oil on Board, 23"x34"

Today I finally completed the first step of the large blue blossom.  Each petal has been defined.  Next, the same process will happen with the large pink blossom in the upper right.  The other blossoms are not as linearly defined.  Each of these blossoms will still need refining with modeling and some strong light values to create a since of light in the painting.

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas, Oil on Board, 23"x34"

I've been using ultramarine blue mixed with some cerulean  for the blue tones and dioxin purple mixed with ultramarine for the violet colors. Thrown in for the deepest darks is prussian blue, my weakness, my go to color.