Monday, March 31, 2008

Sunflowers on the easel



Today I am working on a 30 x 30 inch acrylic of some sunflowers that I photographed in December. The original photo is currently in a juried selection for acquisition. I am already liking the way the sunflowers have popped out from the background. The "black" is a combination of Phthalocyannine Blue, Yellow Oxide and C.P. Cadmium Red Medium. I am also using a new favorite in the flower's petals that I recently discovered - Quinacridone Burnt Orange. I just love color - and this one is just so rich! This is a good painting day!

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous. It's already shaping up to be brilliant.

Unknown said...

Thanks, Kim. I am quite excited about how nice it already looks, and hope it continues to build into a beautiful and striking painting! :-)

Anonymous said...

Hi Joanne! You didn't know I looked at your blog, did you? Heehee! I just recently became a fan of leaving comments, but in truth I've been scoping out your blog for quite some time. I have to say though, that tonight when I came by for a visit I gasped OUT LOUD at these beautiful sunflowers. I just love it. The color orange must do something to me, because I love the painting of the oranges on the blue plate too. Yummy! Anyway, have a lovely evening, and keep up the great work!

Unknown said...

Cynthia!!!

How are you? I am very happy to learn that you visit my blog... what an honor to know that you take time out of your very busy days to see what I am up to - thank you!

And thank you for the encouragement on the sunflowers. This is my first acrylic painting of this flower (have done 2 in watercolor) - they are not even my "favorite" flower, but there is something so beautiful in their coloring, and the movement of the petals - I am drawn to them again and again. I will be posting what I hope will be the finished painting next Monday... so do come back. Good to "talk" with you again! Give that little boy of yours a hug from me.

Dave Peters said...

Joanne, I talked to the lady at the Art Store again, and she said she had sent the painting over to their framing shop, and that everybody there "just loved it." I guess it was the talk of the shop. Anyway, just so you know, "Red Tulip Day" is taking Prince George by storm. It contrasts nicely with all the snow we have been getting :)

Unknown said...

Thanks for that wonderful encouragement, Dave. it is always great to hear that others also like the painting that you will soon be putting up on your walls! I am sure once it is matted, framed, and under glass, it will look even better than it did without! I hope you and Arlene enjoy this painting for many years to come, and that those who visit your home are drawn into the calm and light that is part of Red Tulip Day. It was my privilege to paint this commission for you.

Anonymous said...

I love sunflowers! Great job!

Paz

Unknown said...

Hi Paz!

Looks like you and Elizabeth are having a wonderful time in New York - and the weather looks warm and snow-free... what a treat! I enjoy your photography - and seeing the sights in New York through your camera lens. (The dogs look like they are Pitbulls.)
I, too, enjoy sunflowers - and I am glad that you like these even though they are not yet finished. Thanks for your visit. Look forward to seeing you again.

Emm said...

I'm with you on color! Whenever you enlarge a small subject, it's like exploring a whole new world. Looks like you are having fun!

Unknown said...

Hi Emm,
Yes, I am having a good time with this painting! I love the square format - there is just something about it that really appeals to me. After the large commission (Red Tulip Day) which was watercolor, this one is going much faster, and the technique is much different. As well, because it is so dry where I live, I hardly lay the glaze of paint on the canvas before it is dry. Some days in the summer I wonder if I should think about getting a mister just to keep the air moist enough to paint! :-) Happy challenges... thanks for your visit. I love your latest paintings!!!

Michelle Wiebe said...

I can't wait to see where this is heading! The framework is fantastic, the finished piece should be stunning.

Fun that you've been playing with all these new colours.

Unknown said...

Hi Michelle,

I was very excited to find this new color - and then to have a painting that was perfect to use it in worked out very nicely.

I notice that you have some of your ACEO's as open edition prints now - good for you! Very exciting to be at that point in your career where you can begin to do prints.

Thanks for your comments, Michelle. As always they are appreciated!