White Mums on Teal and Lavender

Chrysanthemums from the grocery store, available just before the spring flowers are out in my yard.  I set up the still life with a bright overhead light and threw the background into shadow for strong contrast.  I like the purple shadows on the tabletop and in the flowers.  I also like contrast between the tight and loose edges in the flower petals.  On my ETSY store.

First Daffodils

Not a subtle painting. The bright yellow of the flowers is repeated in the yellow ochre of the background giving a strong color dominance to the composition. The painting is mostly high key (light values) with just a touch of dark in the green stems. I like the cheery color and simplicity of composition- spring is here!  On my ETSY store

White Crocus in a Square Glass Jar

The Crocuses are short lasting flowers and if you put them under a spotlight to paint you have to paint quick.  They go from closed to open to over in a few hours.  I like the square glass jar, probably an inkpot - my new favorite vase.  On my ETSY store

Daffodils and Crocus, Spring Bouquets

The first daffodils of the season.  I usually leave them outside because I hate to pick them and denude the flower bed.   These lovelies lasted for a couple of days and at least two paintings.  On my ETSY store.

Single Mum and Round Vase SOLD

This is a simple painting of a single flower in a small round vase, but the close values and color harmonies make it interesting.  Most of the painting is a light middle value with a very small splash of pure white highlights and an even smaller splash of dark darks.  Both the flower and the vase dissolve into the background in places.  I like the saturated gold and the cool pink - they make a nice contrast for the white flower.  On my ETSY store

Two Artichokes SOLD

I haven't cooked the small artichokes, so I don't know if they are immature or just small.  I like the dull colors and matte finish of the artichokes; no shine and no sparkly highlights. The blue green color of the background is harmonious with the yellow green color of the artichokes.  The subdued textures and harmonious colors are enlivened with touches of purple and orange.  On my ETSY store. 

White Camellias in a Glass Jar SOLD

Camellia Sasanqua blooms in November and December next to my front door.  It is a fragrant camellia with a delicate white flower,and a fabulous perfume.   I love the contrast of the stiff leathery leaves and the baby-skin soft petals.  I also like the dramatic contrast between a lot of high key whites and grays and the dark stems and leaves. On my ETSY store.