I have sent this for approval and thankfully in principle they liked though we think it needs tightening up a bit
I have practiced lots and lots of roses and have been inspired by Jean Haines work and in particular this blog (as an aside Jean raises money for cancer research via this blog by asking those who use it to make a donation) which I have used to do many studies from. However I would like to think that I am now painting them in my own style... both these studies have been painted entirely from my imagination, with no reference to anyone else's work, BUT backed up with those hours of practice, getting to know the subject and learning just how to paint them in a way that suits me and my fast, bold brushstrokes!! I am not known for subtlety but am learning to be slightly more delicate when the subject demands and that is something I have had to learn the hard way as your brush stroke is as individual as your handwriting and only by working and working on it have I learned to apply the paint with differing amounts of pressure.
As for the finishing touches, where to keep lost edges and where to add darker bits negatively, that also comes with practice, that and standing back, reviewing, sometimes taking photos and again, no two artists would add those touches in exactly the same place... they are as individual as the brushstrokes and partly what gives us our style... so, having been inspired by another artist I feel I am now on the road with my own work and while I will always follow Jean and her wonderful paintings I no longer use her as a crutch......something I am sure she would be delighted to hear as I know she is thrilled to see people she has helped moving on!!
Really gorgeous! I love the second one especially, it's so soft and delicate.
ReplyDeleteI too sometimes do practise pieces first when I have a commission, particularly if it's a subject I'm not confident with. And happily often the practices often sell too - have you put yours in your artfinder store?
Oh, and I think there may be something wrong with your link to Jean's blog, it's sending me straight back to this post.
Thanks Stephie...haven't put them on yet but will do!! Have corrected the link as well btw... thanks for that!
DeleteI really like the first painting for the church commission, Judith. It looks perfect for a church.
ReplyDeleteThe colours in your second painting are lovely and light - reminds me or the roses in our garden so I know what you mean about the palette.
Thanks Vandy, they haven't seen the second yet so have yet to find out which they like....the rose in our garden was a gift from some friends and was specially bred... need to find out the story as the rose breeder sends roses all over the world and I can't remember what this one is called!!
DeleteI love both, but I think my favourite is the bottom one, love the colours and the delicacy of the roses.
ReplyDeleteThank you Margaret.. I like the colours in the second but wonder if I prefer the looseness of the first...
DeleteSuch beautiful roses - there's a garden I pass every day and they spend such a lot of time on their roses. They are so beautiful and the scent is so strong as you walk ast, colours I've never seen before. Your bottom picture in particular reminds me of them, just wonderful.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work. I thought it was Jean Haines.
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