Red Flowers

"Red Flowers (A Gift From A Friend)"

6x6", Oil on Panel

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I feel very fortunate that I came through the Corona virus unscathed.  My symptoms were mild enough to stay at home, but it was not a fun time!  A lovely friend dropped some flowers at my doorstep, and they brought a smile every day while they lasted.  I used them to inspire this tiny painting, and now they will live on!  Please stay well my friends!

How To Start A Floral Painting In Oil

"Ranunculus (Because I Love Saying Ranunculus)"

Oil on Gessoboard, 14x11"

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Sometimes, it's interesting to "peek under the hood" to see how a new painting is developed.  Floral paintings especially can be full of complicated details that can force us to become overly tight and detail oriented when setting them up.  My goal is to allow my flowers to appear energetic, as if a breeze is coming through the painting.  To achieve this feeling, my layers underneath have to be loose and free flowing.

Here's my first wash, on the first day of painting.  Using Raw Umber mixed with Gamsol, I tone the board, then go in with a brush and more Raw Umber to put in the darker areas, and I use a cotton cloth to lift the lighter sections.  At this point, I can see if I like the overall composition and the flow of the painting to be.

Using my underpainting as my guide, I'm ready to go in with color.  You can see that I've tried to remain true to my underpainting, matching darker color in the dark areas and light color in the sunlit parts.

Day 3, I'm continuing to add detail and finish the background color.  

Day 4, it's time to add the vase, stems, and other small details to finish the painting.

It's fun for me to share my painting process with you- I hope you enjoyed seeing it!

Peonies, and a New Studio

"Early Spring, New Harmony", 9x12", Oil on Board

The J. Petter Galleries

I love to paint white things, especially flowers, and try to find all the hidden colors within. Many glazes of purple, green, and gold were used in this painting. In fact, I don't believe that there is a single passage in this one that is truly pure white, yet I think that the flowers read as white in the end.  

Beginning in December, I'll be moving to my new studio space in Prism Workspaces, here in Denver, and I couldn't be happier.  This group of buildings is filled with artists and creatives who will inspire and motivate me.  If you're in the Denver area this week, I hope you'll stop in to see the Open Studio Event this Friday.  All the studios will be open, and there will be art for viewing and for sale.  Here's the information:

Almost Show Time

"It's Show Time", 10x8" Oil on Panel

It's almost time for the "Bouquet" Show at the Petter Gallery in Saugatuck, Michigan on July 13th.  I'll be bringing along some brand new work, including this little panel.  I've been challenging myself to find hidden color in white flowers these past few months.  I hope you like the result!

There will be wine to sample and other artists to meet at the exhibition. I would love to see you there!  Please drop me a return email if you're planning to go so I can keep an eye out for you.

"Abundance", 11x14"

Abundance,  14x11"

Moving is stressful!  Selling a house, planning a new house, and leasing an apartment in a city high-rise (Denver) is uprooting- literally.  It's interesting to me that during this time of general upheaval, my painting has become more controlled and meditative.  I'm drawn to flowers right now, particularly white ones.  They force me to slow way down and really examine them.  Form, light and shadow, and undiscovered colors are pulling me in.

I'm developing a series of floral paintings that I'll be showing at the Petter Gallery this summer, in a show called "Bouquet".  It'll be all about the bouquet of flowers and wine.  I hope you'll be able to come.  The date is July 13, in Saugatuck, Michigan.  Sounds like a great time for a mini-getaway!

"Contemplation"

"Contemplation", 10x8", oil on panel

Mary Williams Fine Art

In my last post, I talked about how I will change my technique to "fit" different subjects.  A lively, colorful subject (like the peaches in my last post) will likely get a very impressionistic approach with lots of thick paint and color, perhaps with a bit of palette knife application while I'm there.  I'll also change my approach to fit my mood.  With these white roses, I decided to slow way down and really see my subject.  The color shifts and the edges were full of subtlety, so I needed to be patient and build the painting gradually.

Today's art market encourages artists to find a certain style and stick to it, making that technique their recognizable trademark.  Try as I might, I can't stick with the same approach to all of my paintings.  For me, art is an exploration and I'm constantly seeking new subjects and new ways to approach them.  

Thank you Sherri Burritt, fellow artist and green thumb extraordinaire for sharing these home grown beauties with me!

Early Morning, Key Largo

"Early Morning, Key Largo", 9x12" Oil on Panel

If you find yourself in Michigan this summer, you should plan a trip to Traverse City and stop into the Crooked Tree Art Gallery there.  The Oil Painters of America is exhibiting their 2018 Juried Salon Show there this summer.  Beautiful paintings from across the country are in the show, and well worth the trip.  My painting "Early Morning, Key Largo" is in there with them. Contact the gallery if you are interested in purchasing this little painting.  Here's the link to their website: Crooked Tree Gallery.

Recent Sales:

Here are a few paintings that have found new homes this summer. Please check my website Ann Feldman Artist for the whereabouts of my latest paintings.  You can also sign up on this website to receive an email every time a new painting is added to this site.

"The Scholars"

Hildt Gallery, Chicago

"Orchids"

The Petter Gallery, Saugatuck

"Orange Reflections"

The Petter Gallery

I hope you're enjoying your summer!