This little painting of roses was conceived with the idea of the colors exploding off the canvas. Normally we think of roses as quiet, feminine flowers but sometimes they are not shy at all! These beauties are big, bright and exuberant with strong colors that flow across the canvas, trying to bust out of the picture plane. The red, peach, yellow and green vibrate like the 4th of July! Hope you have as much fun this weekend.
It has been so HOT for the past 2 weeks in Houston, but as I go on my morning walk, Magnolia trees are in full bloom! These beautiful trees are a symbol of soft, Southern, some say feminine charm, considered a “delicate flower”. Blooming in 100 degree weather does not sound delicate to me. What a Magnolia does remind me of is some of my Southern women friends. Take Mildred; who for her 90th birthday party had an afternoon tea from 2:00 until 6:00 PM so all her many friends could come. We all had a wonderful time and were thrilled to be invited! However; this “delicate flower” stood in high heels greeting people for 4 hours! I have friends who would surely try to get up from their death bed to get you ice tea. So when I look at Magnolias I appreciate their beauty…and their strength.
An artist friend of mine was lamenting that even though she loves to paint people, it is often difficult to get them to pose. She asked,” Did I ever paint in a restaurant?” My answer is yes, but only in an outside space because of the smell of oil paints might not be welcome while eating. This is an example. I set up in one of my favorite outdoor painting places, Belles Artes, that has a delicious little cafe in San Miguel. At first I got a few stares but soon everyone went back to enjoying their meal and companions. You know you will have them there for at least 30 minutes, so this is not going to be a portrait, but you can still get their gestures and body types. When one group leaves paint around them til another group shows up. Be sure to order food, don’t come at a busy time, AND tip generously! The management thinks this is entertainment for patrons. It’s a win, win and you will be welcomed back!
The first time I saw the red rock country north of Santa Fe my heart leapt. We were driving from Albuquerque to Durango to go skiing. I could not believe there was a place where land and sky were such perfect compliments. Years later I learned this was the place Georgia O’Keeffe made famous and where she built her home, “Ghost Ranch”. Naturally, I too wanted to paint this magnificent country. I finally got my chance a few summers ago. This little painting was done on location on a beautiful afternoon in July. I went back 3 times that summer, painting feverishly, and look forward to a return trip sometime.
If you have a Buckaroo at your house this would make a perfect Father’s Day gift!
