Roses

Done in 2 sessions- I started with a quick rough block in from the still life and was able today to finish from the reference photo also using the vase still sitting with the stems in it. The flowers had fallen. 

The glass reflections of the vase and the dynamic diagonal lines of the stems and leaves drew me to capture this in paint. Also the asymetrical set up - the fullnes on the left of the solid vertical vase contrasting with the light capturing flower hanging over on the right. 

Poppies

Spread throughout last week ,these 4 sessions - I worked on some of my favorite flowers. I was mainly concerned with the values- showing the light coming through the petals & trying to bring the bud forward. 

Tea and oranges

This stilllife has taken a week- just because of limited studio time. The silver teapot wasn’t included initially- but I think it added some zing- which I wasn’t feeling with the painting before. 

Flying oranges

These have been in process for several weeks. I’ve learned a lot - some new ways of applying the paint. The fruit seemed to either dry up or mold within a couple days, and my studio time is limited- so I resorted to photos for my source. 










The first layer is very loose- and heavy enough to let me scrape it with a squeegy coated with a stand oil/ turp mixture. It gains a nice surface sheen. 








There’s a lot to think about- needing to either let the technique itself be in charge and learn how to work within that- or learn how to control it. Or maybe use it in bits or selectively.  The overlapping, lost edges, squishiness results of not being in control are a big part of the appeal to me.