I've had two weeks of fun painting and relaxation and the last two years of painting for my recent exhibition have faded away quickly. What is fun painting you ask? It's the painting you do to relax. It doesn't get a lot of heavy thought beforehand, it's not usually loaded down with meaning, it happens as you work, you take delight in it and you really don't care about much else except the process of creating. I continually return to poppies when I want to feel good when painting. I always do something fun for The Leyton Gallery Summer Show which starts next week. This summer is no different.
Garden Patterns #1, 16 x 16 in., acrylic, image transfers, paper and mediums on canvas
Garden Patterns # 2, 16 x 16 in. acrylic, image transfers, paper and mediums on canvasI'm pressing my luck with the awkwardness of this composition but it gives the poppies a certain self consciousness that I like. I also worked to give them some individuality. Usually poppies look like they don't have a care in the world and are just hanging out in the wind.
These two works were inspired by the poppies in my friend Pauline's garden in Axemouth, Devon when we were there last summer. Alas, my photography of my work does not have the same vibrancy as the real thing.
7 comments:
I really like #1--poppies are interesting. I thought of you last week when I was taking photos of day lilies in my neighborhood.
I enjoyed listening (and learning from) your radio interview. Here in southern Virginia, we are a small pocket of people who pronounce "out," "house," and "about" the same way--we can identify natives. I was never able to relearn those words when I lived in MD.
Hallie,
All those vowel sounds have a way of sticking for generations. It is always a surprise to me when I hear my voice recorded.
Like you, #1 is my favourite. There's really a lot about life and death in it although the references are veiled. It's never just about fun is it?
I like these poppies...not only joyful but so vibrant and alive. Happy Solstice!
Poppies are some of my favorite flowers. I like #2 best because it captures the sense of humor I think poppies exhibit. Maybe this year, I will finally get poppies back in my garden.
I find it curious how you mention "life and death" being in the piece. I viewed it as life and life re-born as the seed pod holds the next generation. I have been wanting to go photograph poppies but I may have missed them. Due the pain I continually deal with I don't always get the chance to get out when I would like to. Though through it all I persevere to keep laying the paint down.
Poppies are a brilliant subject, and I really like your interpretation. You add content that enriches the subject altogether. Nice to hear your "voice" again on the blogosphere!
Poppies are one of my favourite flowers and you've done them justice here.
I'm always amazed at the detail you pack into your paintings and envious of the effortless looking finished results.
Poppies always remind me of England where they grow wild in fields and the children would come running home breathless with bunches of them in their hands. How they broke the wiry stems I don't know.
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