Hazel Nut on Branch
Early Autumnal Study
At the close of my studio session I always pick up half finsihed paintings or studies and work a little further on them. My goal is to go as far as I can by experimenting to then throw the small pieces in the bin. I am relaxed,light hearted and having fun with colour at this point knowing I will be putting my brushes down, until the next day, shortly. This piece will not be going in the bin!
My blog redaers may know I started painting hazel nuts recently, as the hedgerows near my cottage are laden with the autumnal fruits already. One watercolour study in particular is my favourite. Today I gently added more background, to make the nut appear more obvious from the first wash. I have also added warm tones on the lower half of the paper to suggest that autumn may be on the way. This is a "mixed" seasonal painting as it is definitely still summer here with vibrant sunshine but these nuts are a clear sign of the season ahead. I am allowing colour to tell this story for me with light, bright colour at the top of the page flowing into gold and purple further down.
"Nut" close up formed by a negative edge technique
I am really loving these early autumnal paintings which are a great break from my more serious compositions for a show later this year.
Artists Tip: Make the most of nature and continually search for new subjects which can become your own new favourites too.
