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Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Am I Out-Horsed with This Painting???

I started off with some glazes of a cool orange and aureolin on the petals.

Then I decided I needed to mask to get an even background. BOY!!! Did I ever need the masking!
This is after two washes - aureolin and burnt orange, then thin burnt orange and  quin. violet.

Ultimately, I had to do about five washes of black. As the brush was leaving faint streaks, regardless of how gentle I was, the last wash I applied on sprayed- wet paper, and did it much like a pouring. That technique gave me a smooth black background. Now I am going over some of the petals with a thin violet glaze for shadows. It's about ready for some intense yellows and oranges now.
The size is 13 x 19 inches.

Reference photo
I was coming home from the library one summer evening, and these glorious dahlias caught my eye. I had to stop, ask the home-owner's permission,  and take some photos.

Thank you so much for dropping by! Your comments are most welcome.

10 comments:

  1. I would never have the nerv to paint all these details! I am curious if you will. You have come far allready, so I wouldn´t be surprised if you go all the way through!

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  2. I see gorgeous oranges are developing Kathryn, can't wait to see the end result :0) .. Have a great day! Irina

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  3. This looks like such a challenging painting, Kathryn! I can't wait to see this one finished...

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  4. It is a beautiful reference, and I'm sure your painting will be beautiful too! I admire your patience for the detailed work!

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  5. Looking great already, you are certainly not looking for the easiest way out , a difficult subject to paint. But of course I know the outcome will be outstanding :-)

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  6. this is looking gorgeous, Kathryn. Looking forward to seeing the final piece.

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  7. Dalias are so beautiful and so challenging to paint. Soooooo many petals. Looking good so far.

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  8. Yes it is looking wonderful. Kathryn! You will pull it off.. beautiful work,Love,Diana

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  9. This is coming along so beautifully! again and again, the feeling of your work just evokes joy! love the slide show as well my friend!

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  10. Hello Kathryn:) I see you have a newer post but just wanted to tell you how beautiful it is so far. Love the way you build up the painting. I'm now going into your newer post:)xx

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