Its' a Wrap!

.

Primroses in Watercolour

 Wrapping up flowers. Literally!

 It is freezing outside today so painting in my garden wasn't really an attractive option. I don't enjoy my hands being cold! But luckily I spent ages observing primroses yesterday so I am working on several studies in my studio and as always having fun with colour.

I have three paintings on the go. All washes and all very different even though the subject matter is the same. because I am enjoying them so much I just had to share on line too.

Firstly I have created negative edges for  the flowers as my starting point. I am keeping them in clusters of yellow and surrounding these with a variety of backgrounds.

  

Primrose clusters as first washes on my easel

Most of the primroses in my garden are in woodland spots but a few have planted themselves by self seeding amongst the flower beds. I love happy accidents where ever they are, so if they happen in washes on watercolour paper or appear in my garden I leave them and enjoy them!

I love how these creamy yellow flowers  seem to nestle in the leaves  around them. And the leaves themselves are also fascinating in that they are perfect for using the "wrap" technique to create all those fussy little wrinkles and crinkles!

 Primrose wash with cling film applied to the foreground whilst the wash was still wet, to create the intricate patterns for the leaves.

Using a mix of unusual colours like pink or violet instead of just green gives a fabulous sensation of warmth and add interest. ,every one else paints green leaves so why should we? 

Be unique!

Artist Tip: Never remove the cling wrap until the pigment and  paper is absolutely dry.

Three paintings on the go.

Interestingly the painting on the far right of the easel was painted in my garden whilst my hands were freezing cold. Note the small flowers, neat edges and almost tight result? Now I am in my warm studio I am loosening up far more easily!

N.B. There are primrose washes on my first DVD "Amazing Ways with Watercolour" which can be purchased from Townhouse Films

******************

Sunshine Inspiration : Primroses in Watercolour 2014

Cluster of woodland primroses developing in a new watercolour

I woke this morning to clear Cerulean blue skies and gorgeous sunshine. Its' amazing how just looking at beautiful weather can not only lift the spirits but it also makes the whole world seem like a far better place.

I had shared primrose paintings on my blog yesterday and they were still on my mind this morning. The Cerulean sky this morning gave me the idea of a delightful soft backdrop for a new painting of primroses which I started this afternoon.  I have been ignoring this particular shade on my palette recently but I am finding it perfect for mixing Spring "greens".

The first wash laid as a foundation was in Cerulean Blue and Perylene Maroon leaving a space in the centre of the paper for my flowers. I used my big wash brush for this part which I find so relaxing! Next I formed individual flower edges with my gorgeous size 10 sable brush which is perfect for this style and subject.

Finally I used my rigger brush for the fine detail around the edge of some petals. The painting still needs a little more definition to make it hold the "wow " factor but its' almost there!

Close up of petal edge detail

 Full details on how to purchase my brushes from my web site can be found via this link

http://www.jeanhaines.com/shop?id_group=5

I demonstrate washes for primroses in my first DVD "Amazing Ways With Watercolour" which is also available from my web site.

http://www.jeanhaines.com/amazing_ways_with_watercolour

Primrose Distraction?

Primroses work in progress

I am so sorry for the delay in  my adding the final stages of painting primroses to my blog. With the snow, hiccup on exhibition delivery yesterday and everything else going on behind the scenes, finding time to add here has been difficult.  Today I was distracted by a beautiful sight which I have simply had to put everything I am currently working on aside to paint.

See my next blog post for details!

Playing With Primroses

Playing with Primroses.

How wonderful to take a walk wiht my four legged family and see so many wild flowers growing in their natural  habitat. It is the time of year when so many gorgeous flowers start forming glowing carpets of glorious colour in the countryside. Primroses are everywhere at the moment.

For me the challenge isn't so much in capturing their shapes or the way they always seem to appear in beautiful clusters. It is in gaining the exact milky lemon shade of their petals. While I work I often wonder what colour other artists use to depict this sweet spring flower.

A little while ago early primroses appeared in our cottage garden.They were in well protected positions under gold coloured hedging and peeping through old autumn leaves on the ground  from last years fall. The difference in  painting them now on location en plein air is evident in the light and freshness of my small study. I can easily see the way these flowers should look as I am painting from life.

Aiming to capture this moment in time in my work with a sense of freshness and spontaneity is sheer joy as an artist.

It is going to be yet another wonderful week!

******************************

Colour of Friendship

A simple telephone call can turn into a creative few minutes if  scraps of paper are at hand. The childhood habit of "doodling" is evident even when I am on the phone especially when I am having a light hearted conversation with a close friend. When working on serious paintings  I shut myself in my studio and avoid any interruptions.But there are times when it is fun to take a break.

I think this collection of colour really does reflect the warmth and personality of the friend who had called me.The light really does reflect my mood. Carefree, happy and  so full of the joy of new life that surrounds me this Spring.

Colour of Friendship

I love how granulation creates texture interest and the way a mixture of pattern edges give the loose interpretation of flowers.

Granulation Effects and flower patterns forming

As primroses sit on my  studio desk in a pretty pot they are the main influence. I paint what I see as well as what I feel. Emotion is in this small piece as my  feelings for this particular friend shine so brightly.

She is caring, genuinely warm and  full of spirit.

Our paintings reflect our personality. Mine is gentle which often is evident in my brushstrokes.

I feel I have captured the colour of friendship in this unfinished piece.

And what a wonderful way to pass the time with a friend even if it is via the phone!

************************

Primrose Mania

 

Primroses and Catkins  First Stage

Surrounded  by beautiful countryside I know Spring is here as small snowdrops begin to flower along the country lanes. This is my favourite time of year. I feel alive and  find it impossible not to move my brush constantly. I need  forty eight hour days and twelve day weeks to paint all I want to paint. Mme Blanche Odin is on my mind  because her passion for flowers showed in her work and she continually inspires me.

To close my serious painting session  I again played with colourful washes last night. I combined the beautiful catkins I have been painting recently and placed them as a backdrop to a cluster of primroses.

 Catkins in the background.

The shape of these pretty flowers are so appealing to the artist. I have several colour combinations on the go and will decide which I prefer to continue on.

Primrose First Stage Close Up.

It is really interesting looking at the earlier primrose posies I shared on my blog. These were painted inside my studio. Now I am bringing the colours I see from the ground in the woodland into my work which is how you would see primroses in nature. Along country lane banks or in clusters in woods. Light and dark would effect their petals greatly as shafts of light fall through the trees or hedgerows. It is important I create this effect in my paintings to bring a sense of being there when the viewer looks at my work. People who live in the city or in countries where primroses don't grow can be transported to a peaceful rural scene in a heartbeat.

So you may see simply a painting of small flowers. As an artist I am trying to draw you into my world, my home, and my life by the touch of a brush.

Watercolour can create so much magic!

I have been told I start "waves" of paintings of a subject. Dogs, elephants, daffodils.........I wonder if there will be a "wave" of primrose paintings now, I hope so!

***************************

Exciting Colourful Experiments .

While I am working on serious collections for new exhibitions I am also writing  a second book. For me  my enthusiasm and passion is the drive behind my work.That feeling of always creating something new and finding even better ways to capture it on paper is a daily challenge that thrills me. I have excitement in each new idea with  the sense of childhood when you first see snow or eat chocolate! Imagine that glorious feeling.

I have workshops coming up where the emphasis will be very much on looking at ways to bring life into our paintings.Not simply gain a recognisable image but have viewers looking at our creations and saying " Wow"! Each artist attending the sessions  will leave inspired to paint non stop and this is my goal.

To close my painting session last night  I took several pieces of paper and  lay colourful washes on them.. The effects to me were stunning. I left my studio on a high and couldn't wait to see each one this morning.

 Vibrant Colour Experiment 1.

I used every colour on my palette and  literally took time to simply play and unwind from the days compositions for my next show. Like a child I just had fun and loved every minute of exploration!

 

I placed cling film on some sections and allowed them to dry overnight.

 This close up shows wonderful patterns suitable for leaves before the  wrap is removed.

 How many paintings did I work on in  almost thirty minutes?  I didn't count! I just had fun, great fun!

 One area of my studio from last nights fun session to end the days painting!

This morning I am greeted with a huge choice of which experiment to paint first and then  start on wonderful new large pieces of white paper to collate all my favourite ideas to create a magnificent centre piece for a show!

I am excited!

I have brilliant ideas for my new book also which these small experiments will play a tiny part in.  It is what happens next that makes these experiments sing and I cannot wait to move forward!

My favourite.........

I see primroses  bursting to life in Spring.This will be a thrilling painting when complete.

Life truly is wonderful when you remove all pressure to paint a masterpiece. Bringing an element of fun into your work  really does show in your results. Even if you focus on one serious painting what you do in bewteen painting it can boost your spirits and keep your work fresh, alive and exciting.

And I need to get writing while I am so motivated and flying high  on happiness from paintings full of colour,passion,energy and most of all love!

"If you love what you are doing it shows" J.H.

***********************************