Friday, September 6, 2013

A VERY BIG FLOWER























"Peony"
30x30" oil on heavyweight canvas
 SOLD

I've never painted a flower. Leaves yes, but not a flower. I've always wanted to, but just couldn't seem to snap the right photo of one. There are hundreds in my file, you'd think I'd find one that hit the sweet spot. But no. Heavy sigh. So it was off to a stock site to make a purchase. Glad I gave in, it was fun.

This really isn't finished, it's one of those paintings that could go on forever, but I decided to call it because, not to break form, I'm way behind.

I've found that pre-mixing my palette really helps my flow, as I've mentioned. I would always run out of what I needed and now I don't! Plus, I realized that taking the paint out of the plastic container and putting it onto the palette paper was a wasted step, so now it's out of the freezer and onto the tray, still nestled in their little plastic homes. I loved this selection of colors, it looks like sherbert.

I also discovered that I have been growing as an artist! Who knew? Back in the day, I would have painted each one of those curly french fries in the center, one by one—shadow, mid tone and highlight! Instead, I found the darkest shade and splashed that in and then when that was dry I picked out the shapes with lighter shades.

I've included the scale shot even though this canvas is much smaller than the ones that I've been working on of late, but still rather large for a single bloom. I'm really hooked on Blick's Heavyweight pre-stretched. They just feel so substantial and the paint just seems to glide on.

Also, I found some great brushes there as well. I've written before about trying to extend the life of my brushes but basically, if you use them, they deteriorate. These new Princeton Catalyst Polytip Brushes seem to be just what I've been looking for. They feel wonderful on the canvas and clean up doesn't seem to be disturbing their 'do! Nice. We'll see.

I cannot believe that summer is almost over! My second summer without Tim physically here was strange. Last year, I guess I was still in shock, plus there was construction going on most of the time. The confusion and distractions helped. This summer however, it was left to me to keep myself busy and out of the pity pot.

I failed these last few weeks but that's cool. The good news is that I feel him here all the time and have embraced the reality of his presence more often than not. Sometimes though, it's back to the "real" world and the emptiness and silence. But it doesn't last long. I realize there is nothing to be sad about. He's much happier, in fact he's perfect and he's here! Where's the problem? Yeah, I know it needs work. But, it's a choice. Reach for the good feelings, the bad ones don't serve any purpose that I can see.

After I snapped the scale shot I turned to look for something on the table and there, underneath was my cheering section and support system. Raz and Blu Berry! Pure perfection.

Sometimes they seem to be interacting with someone that I cannot see. Gee... I wonder who that could be?

Thank you for stopping by, your support and comments continue to help me grow.

32 comments:

  1. Amazingly beautiful. It moves me into the speechless category. You should have prints made of this.

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  2. Wow!!! This is so over the top spectacular! I am so in love with the colors and the delicacy of the petals. I could stare at this all day!

    Joanne
    www.joannegrantart.com

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  3. Luscious! I agree with Julie that you should have prints made. It really is gorgeous.

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  4. THis is so gorgeous Suze. :) WOW it's also huge!!! And yes, of course they're interacting with TIm. WHo else?? :D

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  5. Gosh, Suz. Now you are going to see the weird side of me come out. I'm seeing a few baby birds in the center of this bloom, looking up for their mom and food. Normally I don't deal in surreal but it was what immediately struck me. LOL As always, you end up with a photorealistic piece that is just breathtaking. I also love seeing the boys and how they like to stay near their mom. I'd love to see them interacting with Tim. How much love he has for you to still be there! I'm in awe of a great love story.

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  6. What a fabulous flower Suz. The colours and detail are fantastic. I'm viridian with envy as flowers scare me witless.:) However,on the larger scale they become more approachable? I love the pots concept, I shall have to borrow that idea. I usually have globs of paints drying on the palette as I work over days and weeks.

    Animals are much more sensitive to what we can't see or sense. Raz and Blu are wise and know the score. There are up and down days and that is completely normal. Memories are forever, love is forever.

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  7. This is an outstanding flower! SO realistic.. all it needs is those little ants in the center.. LOL I love the size of this as well, Suzanne!! As far as animals, I feel that Raz and Blu
    feels Tim's presence as well!!

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  8. Love! Love! Love! Breathtaking!

    They say that the only thing that separates us from the departed, is sight and sound. Of course you feel his presence. He is ever near.

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  9. This looks amazing, I love how you portray the light and shadows. I think of you often Suze. Sometimes when doing the work of grief it's done in the pity pot and that's okay. So glad you have those cute pups to cheer you on.

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  10. I have rarely, if ever, been moved to use the word dayyum....but dayyum! This is an amazzzzzzzing painting!...it is fun to see your pre-mixed colors. I can't help but think paintings are like microcosms of our lives---with a beginning, a middle and an end....that is never really an end. Those poochies are adorable.

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  11. Fabulous, love it and I am a little jealous I didn't paint this. I too have been thinking of doing a big flower and haven't gotten there. ( I am going to be posting a 6 x 6 I just did, and wiping out an 8 x 10 floral) It must be uplifting painting such a thing of beauty every day. Do you imagine the smell all the time? That was one of the first things I thought of when I saw this, interesting, a painting stirs many senses...... Huh, as I write I see a huge hibiscus out my window, I think I'll go photograph it.
    Stir the senses, and the inspiration. Good post today!!
    Love seeing the puggies, looking good......

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    1. Hi Suzanne,

      This is so magnificent. You are an amazing and moving artist and writer. There are flowers in my current painting and you've mega inspired me!

      Thank you.


      XOXO Barbara

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  12. PS, now I want to try the canvas, and brushes.
    I ruin brushes so fast, then I stick them in a can and don't throw them away, so I have a million useless brushes! Now you can add good tip to post...

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  13. Sweet Suz
    Your post touches our heart- its full of goodness- and searching and finding and accepting, and knowing,,,,
    knowing love is all around you- it shows in your paint brush- in these flowers we see it,,,,
    we see love and peace in Raz and Blu,,,
    Over and over we will read this post- because there is a message in it- yes for us.., and we thank you for being honest and caring to share your words.
    The flower is incredibile- more than that- its amazing and has feeling and life in it.
    love
    tweedles

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  14. Raz and Blu KNOW - all animals do. :)
    Gunkie, your flower is sublime!!!!! You ARE growing, just like the gorgeous roses.
    love
    Kath XX

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  15. Where was I these last couple of days? How did I miss this beautiful post of your? Stunning!

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  16. It is stunning!! I'm in awe as always... And I would just love to watch you work. Have you ever thought of making a video?
    Animals seem to have a sixth sense don't they? I'm quite sure they will be able to sense Tim there even when you can't. I'll bet you are growing as an Artist because he's guiding you along :0)

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  17. What more could I ask for in a post...a gorgeous painting, materials information, technical info and heartfelt philosophy about life! Bravo!

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  18. Lovely flower Suz! I was getting ready to drop you a line and decided to come check here first. So happy to see you've posted again. Your premixed mixtures look good enough to eat! Great colors. They cheer the soul just by looking at them!

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  19. Absolutely stunning! This would be such a lovely thing to see every day : )

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  20. Gorgeous Suz, and I love your handling of the center components of the flower. I know exactly what you mean about how tough it can be to be spontaneous and expressly show those parts, and you did it so poetically there. Great job!

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  21. Wonderful painting, I like the way the back petals on the right fade into the background, a truly stunning piece and so nice to see it to scale too. I always get inspired when I see your paintings.

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  22. Wow this is beautiful, Suzanne! It is very surprising to me that you've never painted a flower before. You are definitely onto something, so I hope we see more that hits your sweet spot!

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  23. This is amazing Suzanne!! Just perfection!!! I absolutely am in love with this one!

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  24. Oh Suzanne, you MUST do more florals. This is absolute perfection and gorgeous to view. Kiss the bugs goodbye!

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  25. ohemgee, this is STUNNING!!! How many wonderful variations of color and value, it is spectacular!!!!

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  26. ohemgee, this is STUNNING!!! How many wonderful variations of color and value, it is spectacular!!!!

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  27. WOW ! An amazing painting of the peony...fabulous !

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  28. This is absolutely beautiful!!!!!

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  29. Lovely Suz! Yes, your palette looks yummy like sherbet! ;o)

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