I regularly log onto other folks’ blogs and see their wonderful photographs and sometimes their little paintings that they have done. Often they will describe what process they used to get the effects they have. The photos and paintings are always fabulous, and the blog owners are usually proud of the results – and rightly so. I promised you two more of my little paintings, and these are two which I particularly like. This little painting is the first painting I ever did – ever. I had some pink geraniums and I liked the way they looked in the rain, so I tried to make the painting look rain-washed. But I am quite pleased with how the little clay pot turned out. I didn’t have any clay-colored pigments, so I mixed the clay myself using ultramarine blue, because it has an almost grainy texture to it, and cadmium red deep – et voila! – clay. It surprised me how well it looked when it was finished. I managed to even make the pot look aged. It’s a rather primitive little painting, but I love the clay pot, and the painting has a prominent place in my home.
The second painting is one of Phinnaeus at the beach, looking into a tide pool. It was painted during an art class, and the object of the exercise was a sepia-tone study in shadow and light. The woman who was sitting next to me in class was a heavy smoker, and her clothing reeked of cigarette smoke. I developed a blinding headache, and my vision became distorted. This little painting is the result of a whopping migraine headache. I rather like it, though, because it captures Phinnaeus's curiosity. I have another one that I did of Marigold in her little ballerina outfit, but the photograph program I have on my computer changed the colors, so I have to scan it in again.This week, a friend has invited me to a gallery opening of some local artists. Maybe that will kick-start me into painting again.
Anyway, those are two more of my silly little paintings. I have nothing to post about, my life is really boring right now. Have a great evening, everyone.
I am hopelessly behind on my reading, but I saw your post and had to have a peek before I go finish making dinner! Bravo! I love your paintings, Jo! Next to Lilies, geraniums are my favorite flower. Every year I try to over- winter them and they look so straggly I have to buy more and add them to the pots because I can't sit outside without my geraniums! Have fun at the art show, I wish I could tag along. Maybe you should put your own paintings in a show, they're really lovely.
ReplyDeleteJo, I didn't even finish reading your post because I want to tell you how much I like your paintings, For one thing, I like watercolors because of that dreamy floaty effect and the absence of hard lines. Secondly, I think you simply have an artist's eye.
ReplyDeleteYou know.... if you were to make greeting cards with your watercolors and sentiments that you yourself create, I think that you would have a business going on.
Your paintings are charming and whimsical and soft and sweet.
~Lorna
I think that they are both excellent, although I'm neither an artist nor an art critic. But to my untrained eye they are terrific! Puff up all you want, it is well-deserved! lol!
ReplyDeleteI can see how the smell of the cigarette smoke influenced the nicotine-brown/yellow colours of the boy's clothing in the second painting. It is the overpowering theme of the picture.
I love the story of how you achieved the colours for your geranium's clay pot. I never could have imagined such a combination, but it is perfect!
Both are just lovely, full of feeling and scent and emotion, both of them...really!
ReplyDeleteHi there. Been following your blog since it was the blog of note. I just wanted to say I really like the paiting of the child. It really stood out to me. He seems so pensive, but young. I think it says a lot.
ReplyDeleteJo, your work is lovely and I cannot wait to see the sketch you are doing...you have talent....it shows in your work! Thanks for posting your pictures!
ReplyDeleteHeres another an Applauder...for the both of beautiful paintings...
ReplyDeleteHi Jo,
ReplyDeleteI don't paint so I don't know the nuances of paintings. To me, the nocotine ridden painting looks too yellow/brown, but it speaks more about painter's mood. If that is the purpose of it than you have achieved.
The first painting is my favourite, and it's hard to believe it's your first ever painting - you must be an art diva. I am beginning to think you are actually..!! I have to mention about the almost perfect rain sogged look of the clay pot. you worked wonders with it.In short, the "first" painting of a geranium potted plant on a 'rainy day' is a masterpiece.
If you were to just to take to painting again, you can rake in big bucks, my dear. But I know that an Artist needs to be inspired enough...So, hopefully some thing will trigger that inspiration soon, inshalah. I will be your marketing agent - I am really good at it. As they say, I can sell sand to an Arab...! ha ha.
Morning Jo. I just love your little painting of the pink geraniums. But I wouldn't really call your paintings little. You are way too modest. They are great and I really hope the inspiration will get hold of you and kick start you back into doing some art. Me, well I'm not artistic at all. Can't draw to save my life, that is why I would rather take photographs. Live my art out in that. Have a good day.
ReplyDeleteJo, you should sign the potted geranium painting.
ReplyDeleteYou are so talented Jo, congratulations! - and I agree with Lorna about the business just waiting for you to start it... I know a couple of women over here who have done just that and have succesful businesses even in these 'challenging times'... love both the paintings and look forward to seeing more of your work... please! Warm wishes, Vxx
ReplyDeleteGood work Jo. You are very good at it.
ReplyDeleteI think you are very talented! I love both of your paintings. And I could picture that geranium painting framed and on my wall. :-) Love it!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work! That must have been so annoying being next to that smoker! But the painting came out beautiful.:)
ReplyDeleteBoth paintings are lovely and it's quite interesting to get the inside story on artistic creation.
ReplyDeleteI have seen these before, Jo but lovely to see them again and know the story behind them. I do hope you'll paint more.. you've got the talent for sure. :)
ReplyDeleteThese are terrific, Jo. You are really talented. I love watercolors. Is this your grandson? He's adorable.
ReplyDeleteThe painting and depiction of Phinnaeus is adorable, Jo!
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