I’m back…?

Ranunculi in Sicilian Vase, oil on board, 16 x 12, $480

I really crashed hard off that 40 days…but I’m going to try to be more consistent about my painting for as long as I can with the financial issues I have hanging over my head…One thing motivating me: a demo for an art association in 10 days.  Another thing, I am going to a painting workshop in 13 days…so all in all, I need to be up to snuff (whatever that means).  We wound up at the Santa Monica farmer’s market…we used to go every week and then the winter hit and it’s been months of not wanting to brave the Arctic temps of Santa Monica…they had some great deals on flowers, Ranunculi in particular–3 beautiful bunches for $12.  So when I got home, I set it up…some of them were already drooping…guess you get what you pay for.  The next day I painted this.  I often listen to talk internet while painting but I did listen to some music and found myself having some deep thoughts about my life that I suppose I often try to avoid by avoiding painting, etc…There’s a blog challenge starting today so there’s another motivation.  Honestly, I am highly motivated to paint at this point, but I need $ too for Uncle Sam, etc.

I set this up without lighting it (atypical) since the day was gray and the lighting seemed like it would stay stable.  It gives it a soft look and I like the harmony of the dusty pink, orange and green.  The baby artichokes were from the market too.  I got them because I thought their complexity would work well with the flowers.  The similar shapes enhance an abstact eye movement.  I went back to a bigger size…I just cannot get myself to paint flowers on a 6 x 6!

Related Images: