Thoughts to share, ideas to ponder

It has been a monumental and enlightening challenge and discovery to paint under many different lighting conditions.  Each type of light informs my inspiration by setting a distinct mood and telling a different story.

This was painted from life under a color rich halogen, which tends toward the warmer side.

"Homespun", 15 x 30, pastel

This next one was painted under a cool daylight bulb in my studio:

"Flowing Blue", 19 x 15, pastel

This last one was painted under a sunny outdoor sky around midday:

"Aspiration", 15 x 30, pastel

The difference between the paintings doesn't seem hugely significant....but it feels and looks different when painting them. 

Painting is about seeing.  Expanding and exercising my visual perception is a huge part of growing for me, as an artist.

I love the color blue and am enamored with any objects that are blue in color: clothing, flowers, ceramics.  I found some wonderful flow blue ceramics on ebay with several still lifes in mind, one in particular which would emphasize the loveliness of the flow of flow blue via painted watercolor-y cloth and simple white iceberg roses, a particular favorite.  It was a lot of fun to infuse this sheer wispy fabric with ultramarine blue watercolor.  (The white square is a piece of paper towel which absorbs some of the water and allows me to see the result).

Next, I set up the beautiful flow blue pot with this painted cloth in my studio under a very cool light.

And the painting begins:

Initial drawing and beginning of the block in.

Focal point established.

Working from life.

Adding more shapes and refinement.

Almost finished!

It was really a thrill to bring this idea to fruition.  I love blue...but flowing blue, which aims to capture a sense of movement, really sets my heart on fire! 

Flowing Blue, 19 x 15, pastel