Deb Ward, GWS, OWS, PWS, WSI - WATERCOLOR/WATER MEDIA - My passion is teaching adult “beginners”. Weekly classes in my home; workshops; classes for Cincinnati Recreation Commission. My work is nationally recognized and published - see “Featured” on my sidebar. I’m a Signature Member of Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Indiana state Watercolor Societies, Cincinnati Art Club, past-President of Greater Cincinnati Watercolor Society. Contact info below under “Class Information”

Saturday, February 20, 2010

WHITE PEONY - FINI

Just when you thought it was safe to visit this blog – here’s that dratted peony again!

Brought some of the darks back in; redid some of the masked petal edges; more green, more white; fixed a few petals; added a couple darks in the middle.  (A gentleman who was at the house asked me what kind of psychodelic drugs I was on when I painted it!)

After some bickering, contemplation and compromises, I am considering this finished (for now).

It will be placed in “the pile” – (you know the one)! Hopefully, the next time I see it, it will have magically transformed into a masterpiece!

Snowblind Peony???, 22x30, fluid acrylics on Crescent board

And you get a bonus just for being good little girls and boys - the beginning of sunset over our snow and ice covered hills and lake!

17 comments:

CountryDreaming said...

Love this version of the peony! Based on my long-time habit of being a Flickr member, it makes me want to keep reaching over and click on the "favorites" star, sure wish I could! The colors are exquisite, the petal texture soft and fluffy, the overall effect almost makes me smell a soft perfume.

And it's good to see we share a fondness for winter sunsets. The last rays of daylight playing over a frozen surface of snow can be so magical.

debwardart said...

Dear Country - From one who lives in the country to one who wants to - thanks for stopping by and thanks for your comments. Wow - after your description I just might start to like this thing too!!! I'm putting it away for a while and moving on to other (hopefully better) things. Perhaps when I pick it up again I will smell a soft perfume too!

Nancy Van Blaricom said...

Deb you did a great job of making this one work.

Ginny Stiles said...

the "dratted" peony has a metamorphosis! No longer dratted. (You write such funny posts, Deb!!!) Hahaha.
My dratted Pretzel wagon is back too. Hahaha.
Oh the sunset over snow is lovely but just lovely from FLORIDA. I would not want to be there. Been there, done that. 70 today and after my church meeting...I took my book out on the adirondack chair on the patio and fell asleep in the sun! OH my...wonderful. Not too long...I didn't burn my nose!!! Windows open today. It has been awhile for that!

Nick said...

Hi Deb, it looks as though you've absorbed the techniques very well, probably can do it better than I can. Does have a mind of its own, though...which is half the appeal. The pics are a little small for me to see what's going on, but that most recent version looks great to me, the more disitegrated background is more interesting. Without being able to see the texture, it's hard to tell how the additional layers and processes affected the surface quality. As you know, limitations of the internet.
Can't believe how many great painters there are in your neighborhood, it's scary... I think from now on when driving west I'll dip down to I-64, avoid any trouble at high noon!

debwardart said...

Thanks Nancy!
Ginny - sorry you have to take a nap in the sun - gee, I feel your pain - LOL!!
Nick - thanks for stopping by. Didn't mean to scare you off - we here in Southern Indiana will welcome you with our Hoosier Hospitality (and sweet tea - especially at high noon!) - no need to drop below the Mason/Dixon!

Christiane Kingsley said...

Deb, this is a real beauty. It keeps the eye moving, it has beautiful lights and darks. A most serene painting, Well done.

Kellie Marian Hill said...

oh, I love how it looks right now! putting whites into the background seems like such a bold choice but it came out wonderfully :)

and I'm so sorry about the weather... I was losing my mind here in north carolina, but its back in the sixties now, thank goodness. hope spring comes to you soon too!

debwardart said...

Thanks Christiane and Kellie! Kellie, thanks for stopping in - I like your little works - and have definitely used my fingers in a few places - it makes you feel like a little kid, doesn't it! (Kinda sneaky, like you put one over on somebody! But hey, sometimes that's just the smudge or texture needed!)

Gary Keimig said...

the dreaded Peony looks very good to me. Great job.
I really like that photo you took. Have you thought about a painting from it. Has wonderful possibilities.

debwardart said...

Hi Gary - and thanks! I have thought about a painting from my photo - we shall see - unlike you I'm not a gifted landscape painter but might give it a try sometime.

Christiane Kingsley said...

Deb,
I have just awarded you the Sunshine Award because I admire your art so much.
Please come to my site when you can to see the list of the other recipients.

I don't want to add to your busy schedule so feel free to pass the award to others as informally as in your thoughts :-)

debwardart said...

Thank you Christiane!

Barb Sailor said...

It was well worth the re-work - this painting is stunning.

debwardart said...

Thanks Barb!

jyothisethu said...

deb,
the technique is very good...
the lights and shades attracts interest of any art lover...
the description is inspiring...

thank you for posting such great works...

debwardart said...

Thanks for visiting Jyothisethu!