Day 2 of the latest painting, from a photograph of a peony in the front garden. It’s 30 x 40” so it’s going to take a while, which is good, since I’m not going out.
The painting in my studio, with the printed photograph I’m using as a reference. I printed it on 4 sheets of paper and taped them together, so I could see the details better. I love the image. I haven’t got any text to go with it yet. I don’t think I’ve ever written a verse with a peony in it. I can always write a new one. Of course, I ran out of coloured ink on the last page that I printed. Typical, isn’t it?
Outlined all the leaves with black, then started painting the leaves green. This is my favourite part of the process, when I get to see what it’s going to look like. My next favourite part is finishing it. I’m keeping track of how long it takes me to paint, just so I have some idea. I’m trying not to stay up late, but it’s difficult to stop painting.
A few more leaves done. Some of them only have one layer of paint so far, they need at least two or three to look finished. You always see the brushstrokes with just one layer of paint, unless the colour is mixed with white paint, which is why the peony looks o.k. with only one layer so far. The pink needs to be better blended together though, so I’ll do at least one more layer.
Working on the large leaf on the left hand side of the painting. It’s slow, but progress has been made.
Started the background leaves. They don’t take as long to paint. I love this, I have to say. I’m working on it for a couple of hours in the afternoon, and maybe an hour or so at night. I don’t want to stay up too late, but I still can’t seem to get to bed before 2.
Started working on the leaves on the top of the painting. After they’re finished I can do the next layers on the flower. I know I say this every time I do a new painting, but so far, this is my all-time favourite painting.
I have a few good photographs of the peonies in the front yard, so I might have to do at least one more peony painting. I love the colours and the contrast.
Stayed up late, as usual, and painted the first layer of green on all of the leaves on the top of the painting. At least the bare canvas is gone now. Pretty, even if I do say so myself.
Added some lighter greens and yellow greens to the leaves to turn up the contrast a bit more. Still have to do more layers on the flower. I do like it.
I think it’s finished. I’ll just have to sit and stare at it until nothing stands out as a mistake.
A close-up of the flower. So gorgeous, even if I do say so myself. I want to do another one, but I’m painting a grillzebo curtain for my husband’s barbecue next. I wanted to paint the Eye of Sauron, but he said no.
I took a better photograph with a better camera. Now I can varnish it.