Blue Hydrangeas in Blue Willow, 14 x 18 inches

Blue Hydrangeas in Blue Willow

This is the third composition of the commission.

From the two previous paintings I learned a lot about what I appreciated most about the beauty of hydrangeas, and taking that knowledge I set out to create a painting that was just focused on the flowers. I did not want anything else to get in the way of my attention.

So I zoomed in and painted the flowers in a darkened background, this way the lace-like effect that is created by how the individual flowers of the flowerheads catch light was emphasized. In general I am drawn to pattern and variety of texture and with hydrangeas some petals pick up an edge of light and others fall into shadow, making for an amazing display of interest and complexity.

This painting was the collector’s choice of the three compositions, they wanted a painting that was just about the hydrangeas, a bouquet that could be found in a dining room. And with their encouragement I made this painting more full and lush than I had originally conceived.

...................................................................... Framed Painting: SOLD {18" x 14″ (45.7 x 35.6 cm) – oil on linen} {24" x 20″ (61 x 50.8 cm) with frame} ......................................................................

Here are some progress photos.

{end of first day}

Another aspect that I love about this painting is that I found a painting where I could use my blue willow soup tureen. I have been trying to find the right place for the tureen in a painting since the day I purchased it a little over five years ago, and finally I found the correct scale of flowers for it to be displayed in.

{end of second day}

{a few days later}

{almost finished}

{closer to the finish line}

{finished}

This painting was painted in a series of marathon days dedicated to time behind the easel, I was just motivated and enthralled with it. Compositionally this painting is about a hierarchy of textures and patterns, all reinforcing and supporting the others.

Though, the hydrangeas were the most important of course.