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!
Michele Demarest Warner 