Lilacs

Lilacs

I was pulling out my Easter/Spring decor when I found a lilac-scented candle.  After lighting it, the house was filled with its scent which was remarkably strong and authentic. It then struck me that we now have some lilac bushes at this new house/studio.     I am longing to see my very own lilacs for the first time this May - for enjoyment and of course, painting.

In preparation for the real thing, I practiced from a photo in painting this 6x6 inch mini.  I used a color mixing scheme that I learned about online in which a premixed pile of cool, light gray is used to blend with each color applied in the painting.   All colors had a bit of the gray, except for the brightest light, which I wanted to be bright and clean and warm.   I'm thinking the use of this gray harmonized the blues and purples to a softer, less intense palette.  What do you think?   Too muted?

Lilacs in a Watering Can

Lilacs in a Watering Can - Stage One

This painting was conceived in reverse.    I came across this beautiful little frame that had a 5x5 inch opening.   I have never used the 5x5 inch size, although I have been enjoying the square format.  It was simple enough to cut and mount a linen square and stretch onto a 5x5 barn board square.    With this style of the frame, I envisioned a painting depicting a delicate floral image of some kind.   Lavender or bluish flowers would be perfect complements to the silvery tone of the frame.    I created a square thumbnail drawing that seemed to have a "not too symmetric" feel.







No fresh lilacs were available, but I found some fine images that were usable.   The light source in my favorite image was from the left so I imagined a nice country window casting light on the blooms, watering can and antique chair.