Monday, March 23, 2009

Phalaenopsis Painting Progress .......

This painting has proven to be very challenging but definately worth the extra work. There were quite a few times I thought I would just have to trash the whole thing, as in, really throw it in the trash. Luckily when it became too much, I had the presence of mind to just "STOP" and put it aside....facing the wall, so I couldn't even look at it or think about it. This strategy really helped clear my mind and now the painting and I are in a good place together. The above is where I left off when I last showed pictures of my progress. I wasn't even sure what color my Orchid's blooms would be at this point.

Here you can see that I've decided on purple.......my favorite color.

I'm just basing in come of the colors at this point to decide what I want to do and how I want to do it.

The front bloom is now completed. I used combinations of many colors to give this Phalaenopsis a vibrant , colorful, "pop off the canvas" look.

I like how the colors show so nicely against this black background.

The second bloom is done except for the center.

Here the first 3 blooms have been fully finished. I'm really happy with the shape this painting is taking so far. To be continued............

13 comments:

Archie and Melissa said...

hi ruth!
oh my goodness! this painting is absolutely amazing!

i always love to see your process. it makes me say wow! out loud!

:) melissa

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I love watching your work progress! This one is going to be beautiful!

I get artist block once in a while too. I always walk away for a while. There have been times when I had to pry up dried pieces of china, because I tried to push through too soon.
Penny

Anonymous said...

Wow Ruth I think it's gorgeous! Kathryn

Alice Regan said...

Thank you for sharing your work in progress. It's so fun to see how your paintings take shape and come to life. The orchid painting is so far ...beautiful!

bella said...

Ruth, I am loving this, especially with the black background. It's very dramatic. Love the veining in the orchids. great work.

The Painted Garden said...

Hi Ruth,

Your painting is beautiful and I can see why you are happy with the progress. You taught us a valuable lesson in how to get away from our art projects and then come back refreshed.
Have a lovely week.
Blessings,
Erin

Gail McCormack said...

It has turned out beautifully Ruth.

I find sometimes it helps to take a photo of a painting you're stuck on, even put the photo in photo shop and fiddle around with tones, blurring effects - did you notice I said SOMETIMES - sometimes it doesn't help either

I'm glad you didn't trash this one!

Marilyn said...

Ruth, as always, this is just beautiful. I love watching the work "in progress". You have much talent, my friend!

Donna said...

It's looking absolutely gorgeous, Ruth! I love the black background. I agree with the others, it's nice to watch the progress of your paintings.

Hugs,
Donna

NeereAnDear said...

Ok Ms Ruth I am trying this again....

I must say in agreement with everyone else that it is such a pleasure to see the progress and the steps you take to do such a lovely piece...

As an artist myself... it is always fascinating to see the techniques that others use to bring their paintings to life..

It is quite lovely

HUGS
JO

roseroomnz.com said...

so worth persevering with! Ruth I love how you share the process and progress with us - thank you:) Rachaelxo

kari and kijsa said...

Beautiful job!! This is wonderful!
blessings,
kari & kijsa

Suzanne said...

Hi Ruth, these are gorgeous color choices against the black background. It is looking so pretty!