Bits and Pieces

Detail,  "Nuance, " 44 x 44

Sometimes I just love a bit of a painting -- in this larger piece, this is the bit!  I am into a soft palette lately, with just touches of contrast.  I like the play of colors here.

The set - up was tulips with the bulbs attached, which at first I attempted to include in the painting.

Set Up of parrot tulips

In-progress photo in my studio with bulbs in the water (sorry about bad lighting)

Nuance, 44 x 44, bulbs in the water are gone!

Michael came into the studio when this was in progress and said that the bulbs were competing with the flowers.  I agreed!  So they were painted out and now I do like the focus being up on the flower shapes and below on the shimmer --  proving once again that fresh eyes can be invaluable.

Spring Thoughts

Colors of May, 16 x 12, 2012

Well, last fall zillions of acorns rained down on our house and property in Atlanta -- more than I can ever remember.   So, of course, this spring I have been constantly pulling out little oak trees.  Now, however, forget The Year of the Acorn:  2012 is surely to be the Year of the Hydrangea!  We have many mature hydrangeas lining the street at the front of our home, and this spring they are laden with more blossoms than ever!!  YAY...the colors in early May are great, soft greenish whites and blues and purples.  Over the years, I have painted hydrangeas in various ways, always trying to simplify the form, yet suggest the detail.  Below is a shot of my new crop and a few old paintings of a favorite.

CURRENT PHOTOS

Best ever!

Pastel Close-up

PAST PAINTINGS

Blue and White, 16 x 16, 2008

Summer Story, 14 x 14, 2009

End of Season, 12 x 12, 2010