Friday, January 11, 2008

Daffodils in January - 12" x 15" Pastel

A cold and rainy day in January...just had to paint some Spring flowers. Ahhh, that's better.

Now for the main problem that I had with this painting. I couldn't figure out how to make the flowers "pop" the way I wanted to. Usually I do it with value contrast (light/shadow) or playing with the colors(ie complements next to each other, etc.) but today nothing worked. Maybe I should make the background darker...ideas, anyone?

5 comments:

Jo Castillo said...

These are beautiful and delicate looking. Nice strokes. They are really lively looking/full of life.

I looked at it in black and white and the only real contrast is the upper right tulip. I think if you put some lighter lights on the three middle tulips that would help. Darkening the background would too, but I think just lighter or more of the light on these three flowers. A real light yellow/white. All the flowers are similar in value. If you get what I mean.

I have wanted to try tulips, you inspire me to try.

Rhonda Hurwitz said...

Jo -

thank you for the comments and suggestions...I will try these out tomorrow

indiaartist said...

What a great discovery to have come across you blog. I have not used this medium but I think I would give it a try now. Fine work. Thanks.

B Kluver said...

A very lovely use of complements, Rhonda. I try hard to get my students to create shadows using complements rather than black - which we know just flattens a drawing or painting. They struggle with it.

Kelley Carey MacDonald said...

I think this is a beautiful painting, Rhonda! And maybe white tulips against a white (?) background ShOULDN'T 'pop', but be more tonal, and quiet, like this?