This is the latest gouache Hippeastrum; its a picotee variety with beautiful red edges and sparkly bits. I experimented with iridescent paints for this (not too much though) and like the results. Its taken 5 days and given me neck, thumb and brain ache! The white gouache paint (I use Winsor & Newton & Schminke) and the green mixes also, can be temperamental to get down and I found it slightly chalky this time. Some dabs of white acrylic have helped to bring out the petals.
White flowers are far better painted on a dark background. My painting of Hippeastrum 'Jewel' from last winter was painted on a white background and it just doesn't have the impact. I should have painted some leaves behind the white flowers to show them up - a great botanical tip. The white flowers are showed up by careful shading with warm and cool greys.
It is very interesting to hear you talk about the different qualities of the paint colours. I feel for your neck and everything else ache!
ReplyDeleteI agree having the dark background against the white flowers really makes the work sing. However, the light background you have in your earlier work is just as lovely, but in a more delicate way. I would compare the two to an orchestra and a duet. Both lovely in their own way.
Superb painting. It looks very alive. I'm sure I saw those long, curving stamens moving...
ReplyDeleteIt's exquisite Claire, love it so much! It's so graceful and I really like how the stems are slightly crossing, it makes me want to know what more is going on behind the facing flowers. Can't believe it took you only 5 days to paint... no wonder you're aching! But well worth the pain I'd say... it's breathtakingly beautiful and I hope to see this in the flesh on day! :) xxx
ReplyDeleteFabulous!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree--fresh and lively is the perfect description, oh and delicate too. Wonderful work Claire!
ReplyDeleteReally stunning work Claire ... you should be very happy - very striking and a lovely composition.
ReplyDeleteAlong with your amazing amaryllis bud you can safely say you are brilliant with gouache ...congratulations xx
Thanks guys -you've made me smile this glum morning :)
ReplyDeleteI plan to put it in the SBA exhibit in April (hopefully) xx
So beautiful, Claire. You are right, the dark paper makes more of an impact. Well done!
ReplyDeletedelicado trabajo, preciosos Claire, un saludo.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning Claire...well done! Just a thought- I noticed that you mentioned iridiscent paint, but have you ever considered painting over gold leaf? It actually works extremely well- the gold is almost completely covered but illuminates the colours from beneath. Also when you move, you catch tantalising glimpses of the gold leaf as it catches the light. A dark background around the flower would work very well as you could limit the gold to the area just beneath the flower. This is stunning anyway, without gold:)
ReplyDeleteShevaun x
Ooh, this one looks great. Gouache has such a deliciously creamy texture and really adds luminosity to this piece.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work. I love your attention to detail. Thanks for visiting my Etsy shop and liking my tulip. Cheers
ReplyDeleteLudmilla
Beautifully sculptural Claire - love it!! Wonderful to see that you've opened an Etsy shop too. I wish you lots of luck - I'm sure you'll do very well. :)
ReplyDeleteBellissimo. really well done, perfect details.hope it gets into the Exhibition. buona fortuna!!!
ReplyDeleteStunning painting , such great skill! And yes, for sure this white flower really get enhanced on the black background.
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