Sculpted Peonies in Pink

Sculpted Peonies in Pink
Acrylic over molding paste on wood panel, 14x11
Overland Park Arboretum - Stems
sold

Each day is an experiment when painting.  When using this method, I first sketch out my composition with a pastel stick.  Next, I am working at sculpting the petals more accurately with my palette knife.  The use of the knife definitely becomes easier with use, I rarely have to think about the strokes necessary anymore.  Following this, the paste must dry before the next layer - which takes so long with this wet, rainy weather!  I bet it has taken twice as long to dry as normal!  I paint in with acrylics, unsure of whether or not to proceed with oils.  I have decided to leave it as is.........and I really like something about the white paste on the toned background, too.  I may do one of these in only two tones........there is something timeless about it, almost "cameo" like.  This painting makes 891 in 891 days.

The Poetry of Poppies

The Poetry of Poppies
Acrylic over molding paste on wood panel, 14x11
Overland Park Arboretum - Stems - purchase here

I have struggled a bit with these poppies by the lake.  I've had them sitting on an easel - trying to decide if they were finished -or not!  The sketch was easy, the application of acrylic molding paste went smoothly, but then I am faced with just how to layer on the acrylics.  I am now so accustomed to my oils, that returning to the acrylics is daunting!  So, I begin slowly - glazing in the layers, beginning with the darks.  As I work, it becomes more fun, and eventually I am no longer thinking about the method - only about the color. These beauties were near the lake, but I was tempted to darken the background.......yet, I restrain myself!  Painting number 886 in 886 days.

in progress - it is here that I see how nicely a dark background would work.......

Rose Garden Fountain

Rose Garden Fountain
Acrylic, molding paste on panel, 16x12
Loose Park Rose Garden - Purchase Information

Some paintings require a little time to find their conclusion.  Wanting to sculpt this garden, I added texture with molding paste and palette knife to the pastel sketched composition.  It took longer to sculpt a whole garden scene than it does for a floral study.  I added a second layer to the first, to really add dimension to the foreground roses.  Laying in the layers of open acrylics, I added a gel medium in between.  I brought it to the place where I thought it was finished, but something felt undone.  So, I put in on an easel where I would see it every day, in different light, coming and going.  Days later, I went back in with a couple more layers of paint, warming and cooling the temperatures of the masses.  So glad I took this extra time with the painting, as now I am happy with the mood and feel of this beautiful place.  When I paint on location, it is important to me that the painting reflects my feelings and experience while in that place.  Now, this painting does that.  Painting number 595 in 595 days, and I will be entering this one in the auction to support our Fountain Foundation in Kansas City.........unless I decide to keep it :)

Sculpted Roses

Sculpted Roses
Molding paste, heavy gel w/acrylics, oils
9x12

Feeling experimental today, I first sketched out these roses from the Loose Park rose garden.  Then, I took out the molding paste, and applied to the roses, foliage and other assorted areas.  After drying, I mixed acrylics with heavy gel medium and applied the first coat of paint, also adding texture.  When just dry enough to work over this, I started laying in the oils.  Then, it was off to baseball photos and then another game, and I have only now returned home.  And, guess what?  It is almost midnight, so there is no time for further painting with oils to explore the depths of shading.  So, wild and crazy and it is, this is my painting for the day.  Painting number 159 in 159 days.  I think I'll return to something a little more sane tomorrow :)