Michele Demarest Warner

Since we moved into our new house last year, I have been saving a large section of wall for a collection of my art work. As of today, it’s still blank!

The theme is flowers from our garden.  My inspiration is actually a wall in Alicia Florrick’s apartment in the TV show The Good Wife.

My thought is that I can start with one or two paintings and add to it over time.  This provides me with a framework for exploring new techniques.  As my skills improve, I can replace images.

My first two works were created using Brenda Swenson’s negative painting technique.  I began the Fuchsias immediately after attending Brenda’s  two-day workshop.  Being disappointed with my efforts, I had put it away.  Recently I pulled it out and decided that a little judicious cropping and some finishing touches could improve it immensely.  Here is the result:

 

Our double trumpet vine has been spectacular this spring so it became the subject for my next foray into negative painting.  This time I opted to include ink lines.

 

Both are clearly beginning efforts, but I am pleased.  Maintaining pure translucent colors is a challenge with this technique.  I will try and improve in that direction.

What shall I try next?  The giant bird of paradise?  One of the roses?  Wait and see!