"Twelve Inches Squared of Sunshine" (oil on stretched canvas; 12" x 12") sold

sold

I put sunflowers, purple statice, and white Peruvian lilies in a creamy porcelain pitcher by the kitchen window.  One sunny afternoon, I saw the side-lit bouquet; et voila, it was a painting subject.  It has been a few weeks since the magical moment, when I finally got around to paint "Twelve Inches Squared of Sunshine".

"Lilies and Carnations" (oil on linen; 12" x 12")

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White Oriental lilies, purple Peruvian lilies, and pale yellow carnations make a sumptuous, yet elegant bouquet.  When I was arranging the bouquet and pondering the title for the painting, the famous painting by John Singer Sargent--"Carnation, Lily, Lily, and Rose"--came to mind.  Someday I will paint like this!

John Singer Sargent, "Carnation, Lily, Lily, and Rose"

"Hydrangea and Baby's Breath" (oil on canvas; 16" x 12")

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Still life setup

Once a term we paint large-headed flowers in John Murray's still life class. As my teacher hates the ubiquitous sunflowers, we usually end up with spider mums.  Aagh!  On Thursday night, when I saw him bringing in a bouquet of gorgeous flowers, including hydrangea, my heart skipped a beat.  He also got some apples, which seem to be the theme of this fall.  But as practice makes perfect, I am no longer disturbed by apples.  Bring them on!

I initially misread the color temperature of the hydrangea and blue cloth in the shadow by making them too warm.  The mid-class critique put me back on the right path.  Wow!  John said that "Hydrangea and Baby's Breath" was the best painting I have ever done in his class.  Of course, I've heard him saying that several times before.  Either I am in an upward spiral course of artistic growth, or he is a terrific morale rouser!