Saturday, February 28, 2015

gather ye rosebuds...


that poem came to mind, not because of this first image, but for what comes after...

i'm afraid i might be a one-hit wonder

remember my banana painting?
it came out much better than expected - i guess maybe i thought i might be alright at painting and sketching - i've had a bit of a comeuppance i think...
blow to the ego and all that

these little rosebuds are comfort food - a little reassurance that it's possible for me to draw and paint something i like


 what gave me grief today was this -


 the very kind lady at the flower shop down the street gave me a lovely bag stuffed full of flower petals
to practice painting with


 when i was working on it i couldn't figure it out - now i think i was busy trying to capture every little detail, every single nuance of colour
i ended up with a very blended blob


i've sharpened these images but not messed with colour saturation or contrast - the one above is closer to how it really looks than the one above it - that one is very washed out

below shows the image after i added a little detail with my trusty brown pigma pen
i'm addicted to them - have one in each size, in brown
a few other colours in random sizes, but all the browns

it's kind of like my embroidery - i never ever use black, always brown-black
{same with my mascara!}
weird huh?


i'm much happier with it since adding the pen but still...
 
 i think i need to capture the essence of the colours rather than the literal???


i was already to put my paints away when i decided i needed a little reassurance
so i sketched a row of rosebuds

quickly drawn, the pen lightly scratching the page - a hint of colour
 


i adore them - it's like they want to take flight

rose-bugs?

 i looked at a few images online and decided to define the shapes a little more - it's time to go back to botany school - i remember calyx but that's about it

the little leafy tendril things that encase the rosebuds - they needed to be a little more pronounced 


 i sketched a larger one, made it blue and added some creamy yellow, realizing too late they would make green
ah well, i don't mind it after all

poetic license...


finally, i deepened the pink of the first rosebud, intending to add the dark just at the base but it spread quickly and enveloped almost the whole bud

i like it anyway


i actually like them quite a lot


and if i may forever tarry, i think i'll be quite content if i've a paintbrush in one hand and a pencil in the other

12 comments:

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

I love your rose buds.

One things about watercolors, is layering. I've done a little, sold quite a few many, many years ago. My DH was the real artist, painting in oils and could always give me tips. I don't really care to paint anymore, preferring to work with needles, hooks, threads, beads, etc.

If you look at the shadow under the real flower petal, you will see deep purple, which as you already know is the compliment to orange. Sometimes it is best to just walk away from something to get a different perspective, to get away from trying too hard to get it to come out perfect, now.

You inspire me so much. As they say, practice makes perfect, and I'd say you are off to a good start with your watercolors. Don't get discouraged.

Love & hugs ~ FlowerLady

Mosaic Magpie said...

And a needle in your lapel...at the ready.

Rachel said...

Yes, I like them. It doesn't do to be too precise with watercolour, after all!

Shirley said...

Good Morning, I like your painting and everything that you do. My little heart is close by and I think of you every time that I look at it. Sometimes taking a break helps. Take care and stay warm. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend Shirley

Marj Talbot said...

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder after all. Each artist sees objects differently and you see them as you see them - be it blue, green, purple or orange - it is what you see in your mind's eye. I would be proud to be able to do just a fraction of what you do - I'm afraid I'm not an artist, much as I'd love to be able to paint. Thanks tons for sharing your talents and photos.

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Your rose-bugs are adorable and I can see why you love them. As for the petal painting - I'd be over the moon if I could do what you did so don't be hard on yourself.

Karen B. said...

Sweet Jillayne,
your rosebuds are so beautiful! I just love them.
Many hugs,
Karen B. ~ Todolwen

Deb said...

Ah yes, watercolours; when it goes well you love 'em and it when it goes bad you lose every shred of confidence that you ever had! Only thing I will say to you is think layers and glazes when it comes to your watercolours and that less is indeed more :O) Your rosebuds are lovely, you should indeed gather more of them!

Celestina Marie said...

Jillayne you are amazing. I love your paintings and the inspiration they give. I am sure you are having great fun. Your rosebuds are just lovely.
I've been away on a little getaway so sorry to be late visiting an trying to catch up today.
Sending hugs your way.
Keep Painting!!
CM

Karen said...

I honestly cannot imagine receiving a more beautiful gift than a bag of flower petals....how wonderful Jillayne. I love your painting, tiny studies which reflect the delicacy of your subject....

Cheryl said...

How lucky you are to be able to create such beautiful art!!!!

Createology said...

Needle and thread, pencil, watercolors and paintbrush...you know the JOY of every day using these tools of art and you make us very HAPPY with your talents Dear. Thank you!