July 16th, 2012

I loved this image from the moment I snapped a photo of these blossoms on this hibiscus plant. I was aiming to capture the delicacy of the flowers, and the graceful configuration the three blossoms create as they overlap on the stalk. Of course, as is usual for me, the flowers have been transformed on paper into soft variations of colors, an array of tints that suggested themselves to me as I worked. I approached it tentatively, feeling my way, first developing much of the negative space with deep values, since my plan was to retain much of the white paper within the petals. I held my breath with each stroke on the petals, aiming to "imply" much of what I saw, instead of painting everything I beheld. The flowers are remarkable in their beauty. I was trying to go beyond what I actually saw to create a painting that would transcend the "reality "of the succession of blooms, to create more of how the plant seemed to me, almost as if it were flying. I was mesmerized as I emphasized the unique ephemeral sense that resounded within me as opposed to a unique image of what I actually witnessed before me. Or maybe transcending reality!

The painting is 22"h x 30" wide, quite a bit larger than reality, the real flowers each being around  3 - 3.5 inches across . It's the grandeur of the shape overall that feels so lovely to me.

OK! Enough with the loveliness of the garden!!! Bring on the heavyhanded gloom! Who do you think you are? Pollyanna?