Paintings usually have a kind of temperature.A painting of a field of sunflowers or a fall tree scene would usually have a warm temperature. This painting of summer flowers has a few warm colors in it but the overall temperature is cool. Although there are greens ; the colors are intentionally grayed and blue toned. It is usually something I decide before starting the painting but often it just happens as I am painting— like a Ouija board taking over!
Geraniums seem to strike a chord in people. I think it is not just the bright reds and pinks but also the sturdy cheerful nature of the plant. Compared to some of the more delicate flowers that bloom at the same time, these flowers are the work horse of the garden. Rarely are they seen just growing in the flower beds. They are very content to sit in pots and hang from porches to proclaim that summer is here.
This painting called for a more subdued color palette. Because I was painting this old fashioned vase and roses the soct greens and pinks were more appropriate. I sometimes go to some of the big antique malls that have different booths for sellers. It is a little overwhelming to see so many objects displayed there. This vase is an example of the kind of thing someone might find that probably belonged to a grandmother long ago. It is hard often to evoke a mood in a painting but this one was easy to do that just with color.
I try to dabble in abstraction but it is not as easy as it looks. I love abstract painting because the colors and shapes evoke an emotion in me. These flowers are not extremely abstract but they are not an attempt at realism. I figure if I just keep at it I will get there!
I like close up views more than far away views. This painting just shows a partial view of the bucket and some of the flowers.It gives a better view of the shapes and colors and becomes more abstract so that the important things are the essence of the painting.
