"Paint Two Images..."

Earlier this year as I was waking one morning, to my amazement a voice said "paint two images for over the bed". No matter how mysterious or mundane it seemed, it did not seem like my own voice or my own idea. It was very odd like a direct order, and there was and is no doubt it is something I'd better do.

Since then, the many small images I have been selling on-line were in part intended to get control of my materials in preparation to begin the project. Every time I felt doubt creep in I'd get a little reminder so as not to forget about the project.

I've thought about content - subject matter, composition, and color. Searched for visual inspiration and discovered many possibilities. Oh yes, I have done some praying about this project and expect more answers as I begin to work and make it tangible.

For the next few weeks I'll be painting less for on-line sales while I work on this unexpected  'commissioned work' and will post my progress. I have selected some source materials to start my studies.

Now I am ready to begin...

What is a weed?

There isn't anything about painting here nor a profound reason for this post except to share some quotes I found rather interesting. In someways these quotes could be metaphor for experiences in life.

I've been painting mostly blossoms of various plants that we normally think of as beautiful and desirable for our gardens, but here are quotes that caught my attention.

"What is a weed? Any plant that is found in a place it doesn't belong."
~Geoff Reed

 Imagine a rose bush growing in a cornfield!

“What is a weed?  A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Plants we think of as a nuisance in our gardens may have amazing properties that could help us in some way, or something to write about, or perhaps simply view in an interesting way. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taraxacum

Two Plus One Pink Tulips

Well I did it! I managed to get another tulips painting done before they had to be thrown away... I like the way this one turned out even thought the flowers were not as fresh.

SOLD

Two Plus One Pink Tulips

6 x 6 Oil on Canvas Panel

© 2012

Three Pink Tulips

These are my daughter's favorite flowers. They are a lot of fun to paint too!!! It will be posted for sale on ebay next week... maybe I'll get another one done before the bouquet is ready for compost.

SOLD

Hot Pink Tulips

6 x 6 Oil on Canvas Panel

© 2012

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulip

Christmas Camellia - Still Life

I have mentioned before that I walk my dogs - everyday morning, noonish (when I am home), and evening. I notice so many beautiful blooms in the neighbors' gardens that just seem irresistible. 

There are many varieties of camellia and can be challenging to paint because of their perfect symmetry; I think this one lends itself to a less rigid style.

The Yuletide Camellias are not in bloom right now - not until later in the year. The leaves are used to make tea, and this plant also provides oil for many uses.

Hope you enjoy it.

Christmas Camellia - SOLD

6 x 6 oil on Canvas Panel

© 2012

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_Camellia

White Rhodie in Warm Light

Found this beautiful Rhodie Bush while walking the dogs. Just had to paint it. Lots of small shapes to discern in the process and wasn't sure it would turn out. Used a warm light and thought it set off the cool shadows very nicely.

Painted mostly with a mongoose angle brush... using a brush shape that resonates with the subject helps get the feel of it. What do you think?

SOLD

 

White Rhodie in Warm Light

6 x 6 Oil on Canvas Panel

© 2012

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhododendron