Monday, July 4, 2011

Hydrangea Basket




Weeks ago this painting was started inspired by a Wet Canvas photo. When it didn’t seem to work … color harmony wasn’t satisfactory…the towel was way too important and almost the same size and shape as the flowers... it was put aside and I went on to the next projects!

I prefer to paint on loose canvas rather than stretched to make cropping easier and wish that had been the case here 'cause - you know, I couldn’t leave it alone - just had to fiddle with it! Part of the towel had to go as did the gloves. Using a utility knife to cut the canvas from the stretcher, the painting became a 10” x 12” now glued to hardboard. The gloves were replaced by a sprig of budding hydrangea and hopefully it’s finished.

8 comments:

  1. This is absolutely gorgeous! Hydrangeas are one of my favorite blooms and you did a tremendous job on a challenging flower.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Been wondering where you've been Rosemary. I'm such a worrier! Glad to see you've been painting and I have to echo Sheila word for word. I love when the hydrangeas morph into different colors! This is really beautiful and quite honestly, I love it in both the before and after!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks Sheila and Sherry! So glad you like this one. I tried to keep it painterly and still "romantically realistic"...I really appreciate these comments from both of you!

    Sherry, I've been painting but had to take a mini-cyber-breather! Have been going to your blog but not making comments - will do better!

    ReplyDelete
  4. So beautiful Rosemary, I like your revised version better too. Can I ask how you attach you loose canvas to your board and what kind of board you use? I do see the advantages in being able to crop your painting. I went camping this week and was watching the dvds of Helen Van Wyk you sent again, thank you again so much.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks so much Barb - this one was a challenge!

    I use a 50-50 mix of Elmer's Glue and matte medium. I brush it on the back of the canvas with a soft brush and place the canvas on the board. Then I cover the canvas with clean white paper and use a brayer to be sure there's good adhesion and any excess glue is squeezed out. Fresh white paper is then placed on top of the painting - face up - and weight placed on top (I use heavy books) and leave it to dry overnight I use various hardboards for this including Masonite. Thanks for asking and feel free to send an email if this isn't clear.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I missed this one, it is gorgeous. You finished it off well. :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. wow, love the finished image, cropping and changes. Thanks also for the description on the process.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks Maria - This one shouldn't have been so challenging :-)

    I really appreciate your comments!

    ReplyDelete