Baltimore Oriole, Work in Progress

Baltimore Oriole, 2019, Oil on Board, 10"x10"

When composing these paintings, I'm combining 2 photographs, one of the oriole and one of the orange.  That presents problems such as light and shadows.  But mostly, it presents the problem of how the Oriole would perch on the orange.  I really need a simulator.

Baltimore Orioles Redux

Klatch, 2019, Oil on Board, 10"x10"

I finished this painting a few weeks ago and then began the one shown below, which is still a work in progress, as an accompanying piece.  These pieces are a compilation of different bird photos and the orange.  I'm photographing the orange on my mantle to take advantage of the light on the form.  It is reasonable that a half peeled orange would be inside on a surface.  But, unreasonable that two Orioles would be there having a conversation.  Maybe next I'll have a tea cup in a tree.  

Baltimore Oriole in Progress, Oil on Board, 10"x10"

American Goldfinch

American Goldfinch, 2019, Oil on Board, 10"x8"

The goldfinch have such interesting body shapes and positions.  Unlike the other birds I photograph, the way they proudly expand the chest or cock the head speaks so much to narration.  The males are in full glory now.

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas, 2019, Oil on Board, 10"x10"

I used a variety of photographs to work out this composition.  As such, I'm uncertain that all areas work.  For example, does the leaf in the upper left right sit in front of the leaf below it?  Or do you see the lower leaf as in front and somehow cut off.  I may go back and remove the entire upper leaf because it just seems to distract from the focal point.  

Hydrangeas In Progress

Hydrangeas In Progress, Oil on Board, 10" x 10"

I worry about becoming illustrative.  Does this belong in a garden magazine?  Pushing the realism toward the surrealism or photorealism might solve that (if it is a problem).  Mixing the colors each day brings different results, which works because of the variety of color in the petals.  

Hydrangeas In Progress

Hydrangeas, Oil on Board, 10"x10"

We have planted 4 hydrangeas this spring where the rosa rugosa were.  They are heavy with blooms.  And, the rosa seems happier in its new home.  This is the third painting session with Hydrangeas.  It has quite a bit of green compared to other hydrangeas I've painted.  The upper right will need some variety and contrast.  

Pink Rhododendrons

Pink Rhododendrons, 2019, Oil on Board, 8"x8"

Even though I continue to tweak this painting, I can call it finished.  My goal toward the end was to distinguish between the flowers so the eye could breakdown the painting.  Just looking now, I consider making the unopened stamen in the center of the painting more intense so that they may become a focal point.