Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Chrysanthemum Season

It's always fun and enjoyable to paint at Descanso Gardens in La Canada-Flintridge.  I visited in the spring and posted that piece in Spring at Descanso.  On my most recent paint-out day, it was Chrysanthemum time there.  Many pots of beautiful Chrysanthemums were set out along the walkways.  I had in mind to see what I could find to paint in the Japanese Tea House area.  At the entrance to the koi pond there were some very pretty pots of Chrysanthemums on both sides of the gate.  The flowers were white and yellow against dark foliage so I decided to try a gouache piece.  Descanso Gardens has many tall, old oak trees and also tall Camellias so many walkways have dappled light.  I took a couple work-in-progress photos again to share.  And also some Spider Mum photos!

5 x 7" Gouache


First colors and values blocked in.

More darks and lights, warm and cool colors.



  

10 comments:

  1. Colourul and full of interest, your added figure just perfect Sherry. I love the spiky flower photos, have never painted Chrysanthemums but this variety would be fun to try

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    1. Oh Lorraine, yes, you need to try the Spider Mums!

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  2. Your painting made me wish I was there with you. You paint atmosphere as well as just the view

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  3. Wonderful painting Sherry. I love the figure too.

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  4. Beautiful, Sherry and your figure is really spot on!

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  5. since I'm a beginner (again) it's very interesting to see someone who has a handle on this showing a step by step process. Thanks Sherry

    btw- can you tell me the tape you purchase to leave a boarder on your work? and where?

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    1. Thanks Liz, this is gouache and I do the watercolor steps differently. Posted some in progress photos last month in Autumn at La Casita. I just use regular old 1" masking tape from Home Depot or OSH. Besides the nice white border, I tape to a standard frame size like 5x7 or 8x10.

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