Hollyhocks~Completed

Actually this was more of an experiment in color or lack thereof than a serious floral. I still can't decide if I like it or not so I'll be putting it away for awhile. Someday I'll get it back out and either love it or wonder what the heck I was thinking at the time. I did add a little Cad. yellow light to the centers of the flowers. That orange was much too jarring all by itself, IMO.

Hollyhock~Update 2

This will be my final update until the painting is completed. As you can see, I've gotten the buds finished on the right stem and have started working on the last blooms and leaves on the left. I've also been adjusting values and will probably continue to do so as I go along. Still not sure if I like this or not but it's growing on me(no pun intended).

Hollyhock~Update

This is turning into a monster. I have to go back again and again to adjust the values making the matboard more & more absorbent. As for flower form, I'm pretty much flying blind although when I look at reference material I tend to make more mistakes. I seem to be better off using instinct to judge where petals go and at what angle they turn and fall. I do plan to see this one through to the end though it may take me longer than planned. In the meantime I may start another project so I don't get frustrated and go stale on this one.

Hollyhocks~Experimental Palette

I've always wanted to try this sort of two tone palette...one color that will give me a full range of values and another as an accent color. Daler/Rowney Payne's grey is my main color and DS Pyrrol orange is the accent or 'pop' color. I like working with a limited palette so why not take it to the next level? Not sure if I like it, though. It's too soon to tell. Also I want to mention I'm working on white matboard.

I'm also currently cleaning mini blinds, a chore I hate with a passion. I had to have the blinds with ladder tape so I can't throw them in the tub and spray them clean. Oh no....that would've been too easy. Nope, I'm wiping each individual blade, one at a time. I'm taking frequent breaks though and working on this painting in the 'tween time.