Personal Art Blog

Sharing the lessons I teach at the Artist Guild and the personal discoveries in my art.

Saturday, February 13, 2016

Tulips From A friend




Tulips From A Friend
8x6in oil on canvas panel $135. SOLD

Artist Note.

Karen, one of the Guild members, 
set up a table generously 
piled with munchies
for an early Valentine celebration.
She also brought in  
this beautiful tulip plant 
for me.

I was immediately 
attracted to the 
zigzag paper wrapping 
and painted away 
very happily until half 
way through.
Uh-oh... I saw my goof -
the wrapping competes 
with the flowers.
see below.

 Remembering that only one
dominating focal area 
makes for a more comfortable 
eye flow, I had to change
something. 

 First I made the 
deeper green color
cut into 
the paper as shown,
 but it still didn't
work so I wiped off and 
started the lower area again
adding an extra tulip from 
the other side of the plant.

Improved? Yes - I feel it is better 
and I still had experienced
the enjoyment 
of painting 
the wiped off zig zag!

Sending my warmest 
Valentine hugs to 
all of you who follow my blog.
Have a Love filled day.

Give a love filled day

I am grateful for you all.





31 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thank you Stelios. I am intrigued by your old paintings... remarkable talent!

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  2. What a fun thing to do and how thoughtful! The tulips are beautiful, and the lesson you just gave us on ONE focal point is just what I needed to resolve the issue with my latest post! What a timely pearl of wisdom, my friend! Great minds and all, right?

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    Replies
    1. I just visited your new post and think the way you painted the blossoms is perfectly fabulous. I think I know what you mean about the reminder of the one dominating focal area and will go back to check. You had eluded to it on your post but at the same time I do understand when we are trying to push ourselves beyond what we are comfortable with we have insecure feelings about a new look. I did check out the artist who influenced you and liked what I saw.
      Thanks for visiting, Carol. As always, you write wonderful comments.

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  3. Ein wunderschönes Tulpenbild,
    ich bin begeistert, ein grosses Kompliment !
    Herzlich grüsst dich
    Margrit

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  4. Thank you for the lovely compliment.
    I can return one as I really enjoyed your lovely daisy photo.

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  5. I like how you changed it. It made a bit difference!! Beautiful!!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Joan. I enjoyed reading your post about coloring the flowers. Your painting captured it beautifully.

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  6. Happy Valentines Day Julie :) I like how you left just a little bit of that lovely zig-zag,and thanks again for sharing your process :)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Leesa - it has been a happy day indeed.
      I am intrigued by the progression of your new piece. All nocturnal?
      I know it is going to be a stunner.

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  7. I sure see what you mean about the competition! And it made an opposite upside shape too which I thought was interesting. It's all interesting really isn't it? I like the final results though-a great balance of reds, greens and some lovely colors in between.

    Happy Valentine's Day to you! Lots of hugs from CA!
    Libby

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, my friend. I agree - it is interesting. Everything about painting interests me and especially the way it never gets easier. You learn one thing and then it has to fit with the other hundred things you know.
      I am delighted you are going to be teaching. I know you will find it very rewarding.

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  8. Love your creative composition solutions. When you point out your short comings, it gives the rest of us hope!

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    Replies
    1. It is very nice of you to be so complementary, Carol. Your own paintings are so solid with skill and technique that you sure don't need hope.
      The new painting of the leek and cherry tomatoes is a perfect example of what I mean. it is lovely.

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  9. Thanks Julie, great tulips!
    I just got some myself, haven't painted them yet. 😊

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    Replies
    1. How lovely to hear from you JanetteMarie. Arer you showing your paintings anywhere else besides your blog? It has been since December!
      Martini glasses have never looked the same since your fabulous series on them!

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  10. great green colours :D and the change works well. like how the you painted the wrapper to mimic the curve of the green stems

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    Replies
    1. You noticed! But look at the process I had to go through to get that wrapper right. Sign...wish it all came easy.
      I was ticked to see your neat little drawing of a nib... younger kids have no idea what they are. You are sketching for a time capsule. Artists always will.

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    2. wasn't sure if it was intentional or just a lucky paint, either way I thought it worked well :)

      some kids know what pen nibs are, but not many since you can get calligraphy pens that are like markers now. no more dipping nibs in ink :(

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  11. Wonderful tulips, warming heart, looking at its beauty!
    Final version great,dear Julie. Details call painter...but avoid a bit of them is better. You give us always gifts of your painting wisdom!
    Thank you for your nice words for friends. Having beautiful Valentine day with friends (like US tradition) and with your beloved (as a tradition in Italy).

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    Replies
    1. Valentines Day has been lovely, thank you, dear Rita. You named your daughter Valentina so it must have some extra significance for you.
      I am enchanted by the beautiful portrait you painted of you both. The flowers in the hair was an extra beautiful touch.

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  12. Happy Valentines Day to you and thank you for this insightful post and this lovely painting.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sharon - good to hear from you and thank you for liking this post.
      I am still thinking about the Seven Habits... Got the book.
      Will let you know how it goes for me. I think of you and the changes which have taken place in the last year and admire your determination to take the time to reflect.

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  13. What a wonderfully illustrative lesson on composition and the importance of focal point. You must be a marvellous teacher, Julie! Happy Valentine's day to you, too!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Helene - it is true I do teach best by my own shortcomings. Thats what is great about painting. It is never dull. Not for me anyway. Always learning.
      Your paintings always have a strong design so does it come easy or do you have to work at it too?

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    2. Gosh, thank you for that compliment, Julie! Truth is, I think I often fall down in the composition department...so, I guess I'd say it doesn't come easy. Also, there are ones you don't see that end up in the bin!

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  14. Hugs back at ya and happy Valentines Day to you. Love this painting and a good lesson on only one star per painting.

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    1. Thanks, dear Blanche, I was just reading about the changes you made to a painting. It turned out lovely.
      We bond over our growth don't we!

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  15. Your painting is gorgeous, Julie! I love how you lowered the zig zag, great effect, wonderful compliment to the red tulips! I hope you had a happy Valentine's day!!
    We made Valentine cupcakes and I couldn't help but think of you.:-)

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  16. I hope you had a wonderful Valentines Day Julie!!! Lovely tulips...beautiful colors. The zig zag paper was perfect for this piece!!! 💕

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  17. Absolutely great resolution to your composition problem. Thanks for sharing the experience. And.......the red tulips are lovely!

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I love that you are taking the time to comment and thank you for it. I am sure other readers will enjoy them too. If you cannot comment through this format then email me at juliefordoliver@gmail.com
Cheers,
Julie