Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas, Oil on Board, 23"x34"

After my comments yesterday on whether or not to lessen the visual impact of the smaller blossoms,  I asked my house critic what his general impression was at this point.   He said it was very intricate and, for his personal taste, he needed a visual anchor.  I explained that the small blossom in the center would have a lot of yellow and I'm waiting to see if that accomplishes a focal point.  So, still considering how to handle movement within the composition and point of interest.  

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas, Oil on Board, 23"x34"

As I work along, I'm no longer positive the smaller blossoms should be diminished somehow.  Choices are to blend the edges of the petals, gray out the color a bit or tint the color a bit.  As I complete more of the piece, though, I don't seem to mind all the blossoms holding the same importance (other than size).  

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.