I’m finally finished a painting started in May, and finally have a new piece to post.
Coneflowers on Parade, 18” x 10”, Watercolor, ©J. Cellucci
I have worked on this on and off, and would put it aside for a few days, or weeks, at a time. In between came the fire here in the Springs, and it was thrown into a suitcase when we had to evacuate. Didn’t take any supplies, nor framed paintings off the walls, just this unfinished work.
I liked the composition, the way one flower followed another. Thought the background leaves would be easier to accomplish than they actually were. The cones were quite a challenge too. Must learn to simplify!
Taking pictures of a finished piece is another challenge. In afternoon light, the flowers look too warm, in morning light the leaves look cooler than they are. This photo is as close to the actual colors as can be gotten. I am never completely satisfied with any painting, but accept each one for what it is, and usually learn to appreciate it more as the areas of struggle are forgotten. As for its merits, only time and jurors will tell.
10 comments:
Johanna - this looks beautiful - can't wait to see it - it's a show painting!
Thanks so much Margaret...quite a compliment coming from a realist like yourself...will see what the jurors think. I'll put it into the Members' Show.
Johanna, your work is stunning!! I am so glad that you left a comment on my blog so I can now follow your work. Thank you for sharing.
Leslie, thank you so much for leaving a comment and for becoming a follower. I very much appreciate your compliments. I admire your work. Thanks again for sharing all that you do.
I love all the care put into this painting -- the receding color temperature, the negative painting of the background leaves, the careful treatment of edges -- I think it is this care put into your work that differentiate them from a lot of other good artists I see, and make your flowers come alive. It is a very complicated painting, but it was treated skillfully so that it does not look too busy, nor overcrowded. Really love it.
Arena, I cannot thank you enough for your most positive feedback and compliments. Yes, this painting turned out to be more complicated than I thought it would be. I cannot seem to break away from working as realistically as I can...it has become my "trademark". A wonderful artist, who I originally took classes and workshops from, used to say my work was "pristine". I took it as a compliment, but every time I paint like this I say "never again". Keeping those edges is very time consuming, but I think it adds dimension, which I strive for. Thanks so much again. It was a pleasure hearing from you.
Hi Johanna. Your painting(s) are simply stunning. But not simple for sure! I love watercolour the best and know what kind of effort is required for a piece such as this. I like to fling the paint more but only because i just do not have much patience and lose interest soon wanting to move on to the next. :) I admire your work and that is why i followed your blog early on. Thank you for your visit. It had been so long since last i posted i was not sure anyone would come by! All the best with your painting in the Member's Show. I'm certain it will be a front runner and take the lead.
Hi Ross, Before too much more time goes by, I do want to acknowledge your comment and your compliments. Yes, you've hit the nail on the head. It does take me a long time to finish a painting, after which I usually take a break from it. That is why I do not post often either. I certainly must try your method of "flinging" the paint! Don't forget, you put it out there and people will come!
Beautiful watercolor!
Thank you.
Thank you for your compliments and for stopping by.
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