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Sunday, June 18, 2006

Magnolia Bud WC

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This little watercolor is based on an ink sketch I did here in my Moleskine. It kept "calling my name" as they say, and I just had to do it. Since DH thinks I really ought to do SOMETHING to fund my art (and I have to agree with him, even though I have a full time day job) I'm going to be putting it up for sale (so if you're interested let me know ;-) .

I'm asking what you guys think about it -- what, if anything, does it need to make it feel more complete or better?



I happened to keep a record of how it progressed, too -- so if you're interested you can see it here.

18 comments:

Lin said...

LINDA -- THIS IS BLOW OFF YOUR SOCKS GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE THE ANTIQUE BACKGROUND, THE DEEP, RICH COLORS, THE SHAPE, THE PROCESS, ALL OF IT !!!! YUMMY YUMMY YUMMY!!!! TRULY A GLORIOUS GLORIOUS WATERCOLOR!!

Unknown said...

Wow, Linda - I think it is delicious. I love the little shimmery bits of pink in the bud and how the background is so watery and antiqu-ey. I could probably say more, but I'd have to see it in person, so I guess we're going to have to sketch-crawl soon. Or you could just deliver it framed to my house... :-) Of course, then MY husband would say I've got to start earning my own art-living, too...

Unknown said...

BTW - it's very good to see you back!!!

Teri said...

WOWWOWOWOWOWOWOW!!! Linda, this is so gorgeous! You should put it up for auction. WOWEE, is it gorgeous!

It is SOOOOO good to see you back. We missed you!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful, Linda.
I wouldn't do anything to the background - it sets off the foreground interest perfectly. The flower is just right, too, especially with the color in the white. The only thing I'd suggest is to bring out a little more of the shininess in the leaves. Magnolia leaves are generally very glossy - at least the ones around here. You might be able to get some of that with lifting or maybe a touch of gouache. Or maybe better to leave it alone. Either way, don't touch the background - it has the look of an old Tuscan wall.

Anonymous said...

this is exquisite, Linda
i agree with Karen...the only possible adjustment, if any
would be to attempt to achieve the glossy look of magnolia leaves

Anonymous said...

Linda Lou, you sorceress you---look what you've been up to! You could probably darken the values in the leaves a tad, but, equally, you could not. You could most profitably leave it alone and start two more. Don't agonize too much over one sole piece--unless it is something you've spent months and months on and is practically room sized. That, at least, is my vote. ;D

seesue said...

Linda, glad you're active here again and I must say you've made it well worth the wait.

Felicity Grace said...

I can't paint so can't comment but I think it looks stunning. Can't wait to see what else you've been up to!

Tami said...

So glad to see your work again. This is outstanding!!!! BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL!!!

Karen Sandstrom said...

Hi Linda
Thanks so much for taking the time to document your progress on this. As others have said, it's really helpful. I think your painting came out beautifully, and if I'd done such a thing I'd be doing a happy dance around the house. I, too, like the antiquey background but I, too, wondered (as did someone else) how it would look with a brighter background. But just wondering, not suggesting. When Diahn gets tired of it, you can send it to my house.

Anonymous said...

Exquisite. Thank you for the step by step. Quit your day job!

Linda said...

Thank you all for your comments! I have lifted a few highlights, and darkened a few of the darkest darks, deepened the lower bit of the background just a tiny bit in a couple of places, and signed it! Much of the wonderful advice I received on this will be used on the next one, with many many thanks! :-)

Anonymous said...

fan-frickin-tastic! This is truly magnificent.

(and thanks for the kind words!)

Unknown said...

Wow this is sooo beautiful painting..no words its ..just grt!!

Karen said...

It turned out wonderfully. Both of the girls agree. You can just send it straight to my house with the other one you are sending me.
BS Karen

Terri said...

Wow oh wow. Linda this is just wonderful. I can almost smell the fragrance. Beautiful. Simply beautiful. A real work of art.

Nan said...

Linda, you've really captured this magnolia. I'm working on a magnolia painting too, but it is far from finished. As you said to me, it is a slow process. Loved looking at the progression on your other site! The background color is just perfect now!