This is the first year I’ve selected multiple flowers from my garden, in a bouquet to paint. I kept them in the refrigerator most of the time and pulled them out only when I had a reason to refer to them, for example if I wanted to change the angle of a flower. I’m amazed at how long they’re lasting. If I kept them out continuously, they wouldn’t last long at all. I never imagined I would cut roses to paint, though that was the reason for the purchase of the rose bush. I continue to find painting roses intimidating and it continues to be my wishful thinking that I’ll become more competent in doing so. At the same time, I know how many I’ve already painted 60 or 70 or more, and it’s still a real struggle. I think we’ve had that discussion. Daisies and sun flowers aren’t so difficult. There is a way of painting them which I grasp and even enjoy – not so with roses or even the petunias. The next major challenge was trying to get a good image of the painting. My methods have become much more sophisticated and my images have improved, but the fact is, the more distinct the color or brushwork variation in the painting (as opposed to smooth gradients), the harder it is to get a good image – no matter what. Look at the vase, for example, the smooth gradients, as opposed to the flowers petals. I had to do so much manipulation of the image even to get the flowers the least bit acceptable and they’re still not the same as in the painting. I had to do nothing to the vase because of it’s smooth gradient. I really don’t mind painting challenges. I do mind the photography challenges. So much time is wasted. I’ve already started to photograph my next still life. I have about 40 images so far and still none are exactly what I want.
It’s cooler now – 70 degrees was the high today – and yes, I’m happy about Kamala. Have a great week. Winifred
