Tropical Storm Emily was blustering rain the day I began this painting. Doesn’t seem like a dark day, does it?! That’s the beauty of art. Before Photoshop ever was invented, artists have been creating new ways of seeing the “what’s out there”.
The wooden rocking chair was my base seat as I began this painting in watercolor and pastel. My waterbucket was left at home…typical of this often ditzy artist…so I found a large seashell for my rain water holder.
In many of my on-site pieces, I will sit and look and absorb what comes in naturally through the eye. Photography is my back-up later for more details and suggested colors. However, once laid out, I am the Colorist. In the photo, the large plant pot is white….not a clean white but a dirty-sided greyish white. I translated it into blue. That’s high-keying which is taking the same basic light value and translating it into a higher, cleaner color.
My sister used to live on a farm in Wisconsin. Visiting her there, I fell in love with country living. When I moved to Florida from New York City, two things happened: 1) the light spectrum is much lighter and more yellow which inspired me to go outdoors to paint. 2) I chose the country style of life.
So this first new style painting is dedicated to my sister who inspired me to country living and plants.
Beautiful piece!