“Autumn Reflections #2″ 60″ x 40″ oil and wax on canvas $4,500
I know – the title of this blog doesn’t fit with the painting, but I’m still working on the spring painting. The painting above is the fourth in my series of autumn river reflections and the latest one to be completed of the four fall landscapes waiting for the final touches in my studio.
After months of painting fall landscapes and being surrounded by red, yellow and orange, my creative spirit rebelled and called for a soothing display of pastels and a mood of renewal rather than the ending of a season.
I haven’t painted a floral or garden painting for a while, but in looking at flower catalogs and contemplating which variety to add to our hydrangeas, I realized they were a perfect inspiration to get back to spring. One reason is that I photographed a gorgeous hydrangea garden in our neighborhood many years ago and was thrilled by the huge flowers and variety of colors of each blossom.
When I went back the following year, I discovered the new owner of the house had cut down all those beautiful, obviously old plants and I was saddened by it. I decided then to honor the former garden by using its reference photos to paint several hydrangea paintings over the years. Now seemed a perfect time to start my new series of florals by going back to these old friends.
One reason I love painting hydrangeas is that each blossom on the same plant is a different range of colors and almost looks like a bouquet. I’m intrigued by this and also by the veined leaves and their shapes and variety. Since the blossoms are so huge, it seemed that a large format was needed, so I composed it on a 36″ x 60” canvas and am currently being soothed by the colors. Hopefully it will be finished soon and ready for my next blog.
