Teakettle Geraniums

I have been wanting to paint these geraniums for days - and I finally got the chance!  The reds are so vibrant - I find that I am cooling down the surrounding masses to try to capture their glow!  This old teakettle belonged to my great grandmother Ethie, and though no longer fit for tea, it is a perfect vessel for my plants!  With oils, I lay in darks and lights, brushing in the blossoms loosely, with light strokes from a soft brush.  I am using a softer synthetic flat that was given to me, and I like how it defines the petals with a swipe.  It was fun using those cad reds at full strength - I don't get to do that too often!  Painting number 3064 in 3064 days. 

Teakettle of Roses

Teakettle of Roses
Oil on Panel, 8x10

The snow is falling - 12-18 inches expected, and I am enjoying this extra painting time!  I worked on a commission most of the day, only starting this painting this evening.  I chose to paint small - only an 8x10 since I needed to finish it today (to keep up with "a painting a day").  Now that it is finished, I wish I had painted it in a larger size!  I have not yet painted a large painting from one of my smaller studies, but maybe this will prompt me to do so.  This cool little antique green glass lamp sheds an interesting light over the sideboard - fun to capture on the sideboard.  The teakettle was my Grandma Frank's, a small wedding photo, and the books are Monet and an antique Shakespeare.  I found the sideboard at a little shop in downtown Lee's Summit 25 years ago.  I had the painting finished, and then I decided to add the gold detail in the curtains.  I love the detail, and the painting just didn't seem complete without it.  This is the 53rd painting in a row!