Orange Roses in Turquoise

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I have a love-hate relationship with painting in natural light. I hate that painting in natural light means painting in ever changing light which of course, is frustrating and confusing and turns up the pressure. However, painting in natural light also means I don't have enough time to get fussy or to over work and over paint the subject. Ultimately, if all goes well, and I get the piece done in natural light, I am left with a painting that reflects decisive value choices, deliberate brush strokes and an overall loose, painterly feeling. In other words, I end up with the kind of painting I want to make. Moral of the story, get out of the shadow box and into the light.

Glowing Roses

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This is the same still life from yesterday. So different, right? The blooms have opened up a bit more, so that explains some of it. However, I think the biggest difference has to do with the color of the underpainting. In this case, I think it was permanent rose or magenta? Can't remember. The overall painting is so much brighter as a result. Makes me think I should be a little more thoughtful about the color with which I prime the gessobord. I usually just pick a tube and go. Ahh, you live, you observe and you learn.

Cluster of Roses

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I keep thinking that I should really get outside and paint some landscapes plein aire. But I just can't stop painting the flowers from my garden. They are so beautiful and enjoying them in this special way is an absolute pleasure. In truth, the roses should exhaust themselves by mid-July, and then I'll take my easel out for a walk. Until then... more roses!