Thursday, May 10, 2012

Thursday's Child Has Far to Go...

Yes, I do, but I'm getting there! Here are my reference photos for the watercolors I'm working on...
Photobucket
Aren't these gorgeous?...(and they smelled divine!)...Oriental Lilies, "After Eight" ~

I love painting pink flowers, mainly so I can use the color called "Opera" by Holbein; so vivid and crisp on the bright white paper... and the shadow shapes on the petals are fun to do, too!...I'm painting this one on a full sheet of watercolor paper, 22"x30".
Photobucket
I think I'm going to call this one "The Queen and Her Court" ~ the Queen being the gorgeous magnolia blossom, with a pretty "court" of pink and mauve hydrangeas. I love the slightly lemony, heady magnolia fragrance...they're blooming so early this year! This is going to be another large painting on a full sheet of WC paper.
Photobucket
More hydrangeas, this time in shades of blue, some with just a hint of lilac. One of the most challenging parts of this painting and the magnolia one above will be the crystal bowl!
This will be a smaller painting, done on a half sheet of WC paper.
Photobucket
I photographed this one of Leo looking at the cup (there's really Earl Grey in there) back when I was setting up teacup-and -bird's egg photos...it will also be a half-sheet painting.
Photobucket
This one of Leo in the sun was taken this afternoon...he looks a little dejected, doesn't he? (Maybe he thinks I'm not paying enough attention to him...) He's definitely soaking up all the sun he can, though! I'm not painting this one, (too contrast-y to translate into watercolor well), but I had to add it...:^)

If I miss a few days posting, you will know what I'm up to! I'm a "realist" painter, and I try to compose with the camera as much as possible, so my paintings will look pretty much like the photos (hopefully!) ~


Which one is your favorite? ...I love to hear what you think!

Again, another week has flown by like the wind!!

♥ ♥ ♥
Anne

P.S. ~ When I went to publish this post, I saw that it was my 100th! I'm really glad I started blogging again ~ I should have started back sooner. It has been the little nudge ~ the encouragement ~ that I've needed to start joyfully "playing" again...and I've met so many wonderful people!
Thank you.
(Linking to Beverly's Pink Saturday)

29 comments:

  1. Hi Anne: Whichever one you paint will be lovely. My favorite would be the blue hydrangeas but, I agree, it seems like it would be hard to capture the crystal bowl. The one with that Leo looking into the t-cup is priceless. Is he reading the tea leaves, do you think? Such a pretty boy!..Happy Mother's Day..Judy

    ReplyDelete
  2. All your flowers are beautiful--but your cat is gorgeous! What a beautiful coat she has! Have you ever painted your cats? If so, please share!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I can't choose! I keep looking at them, and I love them all and can't wait to see your paintings.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hallo,
    i'm a new Member of your Blog.
    Your Cat is very nice.

    lovley Greats from germany

    Ramona

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love the magnolia one, but they will all be lovely. Congratulations on your 100th post! Have a lovely weekend, Claire xxx

    ReplyDelete
  6. WOW!!
    Lovely photos... the Hydrangeas are my favorite! :]

    ReplyDelete
  7. That magnolia is amazing! I do like hydrangeas too, though. They look lovely in the garden, but I dry them and use them as decoration in the house right throughout the winter. They look nice sprayed gold/silver too at Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Good Morning Anne..
    What beautiful subjects you have for painting.

    Those hydrangeas... beautiful!
    I love the black and white checked base that they are on. That, combined with the blue and the crystal is so striking.

    Congrats on your 100th post!
    I'm so glad that you are blogging, and I'm getting the chance to get to know you :)

    Hope you have a great weekend.. painting away :)
    ~Blessings..
    Kerin

    ReplyDelete
  9. Beautiful pictures !!! I love them all. Especially Leo and the teacup ; )
    Have a great weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Totally honest? I couldn't even pick a favorite! But can't wait to see your interpretations of whichever one you do pick.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh my goodness, so nice to know you. I love artists, as I worked in my hubby's ceramic co. he had for 30 years, he sold it 4 years ago. I designed dishes which were made and decorated by hand by an artist. You must be a very talented lady, as anyone you paint will be wonderful, can't wait to see it finished!! I love flowers, my fav kind of painting. Thank you for following me and for your wonderful visit. I am now your newest follower as well. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY.
    FABBY

    ReplyDelete
  12. The teacup is gorgeous, along with that adorabble fluffy kitty, lol..
    FABBY

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi,
    What lovely lovely flowers!! There is nothing like the colours in nature!

    I like them all but I 'll look forward to seeing your painting too

    Amanda :-)

    at Crafty in the Med

    ReplyDelete
  14. Beautiful flowers photos, and the pic of your Mother is lovely!
    New Linky follower :)
    JoAnn

    ReplyDelete
  15. Anne I love all the pictures - it would be hard to choose which one I like best. Can't wait to see your watercolors. I definitely think you need to paint Leo. He is truly beautiful. XO XO Pixie

    ReplyDelete
  16. Leo. like my Max has a knack to make you feel guilty for something..Enjoy your weekend..lovely flowers...

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hard to choose! I think I'll go with The Queen and her Court though. The colors of the blooms look lovely and the checkered tabletop adds a nice touch too.

    ReplyDelete
  18. All the photos are wonderful~I can't pick a favorite. Can't wait to see the paintings!
    Leo is a doll....

    ReplyDelete
  19. Congrats on your 100th post!!! Awesome!!!
    Boy all the photos are wonderful, how can I pick a fav. From your post I'm thinking your favorite is the pink lillies :o)
    Looking forward to seeing your beautiful art.
    Have a great day.
    Always Queenie

    ReplyDelete
  20. Congratulations!


    My PINK is dedicated for YOU, happy mother's day!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Congratulations on post '100'
    no small feat. I do enjoy popping in with my morning cuppa.
    Hydrangeas are my favorite bloom.
    Blue being of course a first pick with white close on its heels.
    Your kitty is so pretty, or handsome as the case may be.
    keep smiling and creating

    ReplyDelete
  22. Beautiful flowers, and goregous pics.x

    ReplyDelete
  23. A lot of breathtaking talent and beauty.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hands down please pick the blue hydrangeas with the black and white base. Leo is beautiful I followed over from your comment on my post to see about your title - I now see where the little bit of fur originates! I loved your fairy garden. I am your newest Linky follower.

    Distressed Donna Down Home

    ReplyDelete
  25. I think my favourite is 'The Queen & her Court' followed closely by the blue hydrangeas. I look forward to seeing your finished paintings.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi Anne, Being from the south (GA) I love the magnolia blossom. I also love your cat.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Happy Mother's Day. It would be wonderful to be a part of Seasonal Sundays. You might be interested in my $100.00 Give Away.

    - The Tablescaper

    ReplyDelete
  28. Anne, I am a fan of hydrangeas, so whatever color they are would be my favorite. I especially like Leo contemplating taking a sip of Earl Grey.:)
    I have really enjoyed following your posts.

    ReplyDelete
  29. All your photos would make wonderful paintings. I think my favorite is the magnolia. Congrats on your 100th post.

    ReplyDelete

I love your thoughts and comments, and I read each and every one! Sometimes life gets in the way, though, and it takes me a while to respond...Thank you for understanding! ♥...Time is precious, and the time you have taken here is truly appreciated!