Friday, June 25, 2010

Painting: Hollyhocks



I took the photos from which to paint these hollyhocks almost a year ago on a neighborhood walk. I have never chosen flowers as the subject of a painting, but when I started painting again a few years ago I was excited about tackling new subjects. And, this particular one made it to my nesting list. Not exactly baby apparel I know, but this painting was something I had in mind for Scarlett's room and I am desperate to get some things finished for her so she does not become the forgotten middle child when her little sister arrives!


So, hooray! I finished the painting! Every painting is instructive (my sister and I talk about "laps in the pool") and this one was a bit surprising too. I actually roughed in the layout last December and thought I could finish it in a couple hours. I thought it shouldn't be that difficult because it was just flowers--not a portrait or anything. 


Well, turns out that flowers are much more complex than I realized. I invested many more hours. But I also am more fond of this painting than I thought. I was thinking of it as "decorator" painting to fill a spot in a room as opposed to a serious composition but I like how it turned out! And I also really like it in Scarlett's room. A bunch of vibrant pink hollyhocks is about as girly as it gets--fun for my little girl's room.


This painting is 20x16--a much more comfortable scale. The flowers are about life size, which I love to do.

I wasn't sure about framing... I wanted something with more of a cottage than a formal feel. I ended up buying a pretty basic frame with a strange black and brown finish on sale at Michael's and using a can of Krylon to paint it robin's egg blue ("Blue Ocean Breeze" actually). I think it works. And it was a great price! And, it was instant DIY gratification.


I have a couple other things in mind for Scarlett's walls. This went smoothly enough that I'm motivated! I'll get her room finished yet.


6 comments:

  1. your hollyhocks are AMAZING!!! I would definitly hang something like that in my house. Ava's room is my most girly place, so probably in there. :) It is just the prettiest painting. I am so impressed at your talent! I have painted before as well, and it isn't easy. Scarlett has a treasure for sure!!

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  2. I can not get over you!! This is gorgeous!! You are amazing! I loved it when you lived across the street and I could see through your window that beautiful huge red canvas you painted which hung above your couch. How would it be to be so talented?

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  3. I think you did a great job! The colors are so pretty, and the blue frame helps it to stand out.

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  4. Beautiful job! Hollyhocks are such special and gorgeous flowers and you captured them beautifully!

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  5. You are very talented! I am new to your blog, but sure hope you do a tutorial with your next painting! I'd love to watch the process! The little dress below is beatuiful! It's ALL amazing! where do you live? I couldnt' find it easily, but will keep reading older posts.

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  6. These look like the hollyhocks in my garden. I adore this painting! Such beautiful colors. Makes my heart sing!

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