I see my magnolia tree will soon be flowering--always a huge event for me. I love the flowers' large waxy petals and the structure of the center. The way the petals curve and droop is so elegant and the shadows they create are great to paint. I get to use my favorite colors--blue and all the colors analagous to blue.
The flowers last so briefly, which makes them all the more looked forward to.
I pulled out this watercolor from last year; I thought it was overworked and put it away in my flat file. Today I came upon it and thought, maybe if it was cropped ...?
The flowers last so briefly, which makes them all the more looked forward to.
I pulled out this watercolor from last year; I thought it was overworked and put it away in my flat file. Today I came upon it and thought, maybe if it was cropped ...?
I haven't forgotten my stargazers and started a painting of them today on a piece of Arches paper torn off a roll I bought ages ago and stuck in a closet. I wanted to see if the paper was still usable.
The roll is huge--52.5 inches x 10 yards! I'd never be able to afford it now. For someone like me, who rarely works larger than 7x11 and thinks a full sheet represents a gigantic, daunting commitment, the question is what to do with a piece of paper 52.5 inches wide. I suspect the answer will be: divide it. Right now I'm envisioning a row of paintings, say of lilies or magnolias, like a comic strip.
Before doing anything though I'll need to measure, cut, and flatten!! strips from the roll. The paper curls so aggressively it's unwieldy!
Beauteous magnolias! I just love that flower.
ReplyDeleteHey, you can bind a book with that much paper and put all your flowers in it!
i like crop #2
ReplyDeletei am shocked at art supply prices now.
Hi Laura, I like both paintings I think the top Magnolia is may favorite,do I see a hint of yellow in the corner? A row of paintings is a great idea,all the same subject from different views? How are the paintings for your show going?
ReplyDeleteLaura, to easily flatten the rolled paper after you cut it, lightly spritz the back side as you unroll it face down on a clean surface. Then, either weight the corners or cover the whole thing with a sheet of masonite or plexiglass for a couple of hours. It'll be flat and ready to go.
ReplyDeleteHope this helps. (The masonite isn't acid free and could technically affect the paper??)
I need to do this with some of my older paintings! I like the second crop, the first has too much of the really dark purple and doesn't look balanced.
ReplyDeleteThere's a great thread on wetcanvas showing how Deb Kirby tamed a roll of watercolour paper http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=457039 - hope it helps!
I am envious of anyone who has magnolias in their yard! And the crop for this painting works great :) A row of paintings all on the same long piece of paper? That would be extremely cool.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it great when that happens. You put something away thinking it didn't quite turn out.. then when you come across it again you discover part of it could be wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI like the second crop. Lovely, flowing colors... as usual! :-)
ReplyDeleteLike both crops - companion pieces? Amazing how time can make you rethink a painting!
ReplyDeleteLike the idea of a "comic strip" of florals! Use up that paper, one piece at a time!!! Was going to tell you how to flatten it, but see Sandy has told you how - you can also iron it (wet it first)!
That is one major piece of paper you have there, but I like the strip idea of more of these rather lovely magnolias!
ReplyDeleteOh, they're gorgeous! I'm glad you tried the crops--they look beautiful. It's true--things are budding all over the place here. I'm loving it!
ReplyDelete