Sunflower II (Farmer's Market)

I just wasn't satisfied. I just felt it wasn't done and it wasn't my vision yet. After looking at it for a while and getting some great advice from my good friend and fellow artist, Barb, I decided to revisit the "Farmer's Market". I feel so much better now.

I reworked the top right corner of the background and added some large leaves in front. I also added more detail to the sunflowers.

I know I was trying not to add to much detail and wanted to focus on color and values, but I just felt they really needed more work.
Its not a major change but I think enough to make the painting complete in my eyes. Below are some close ups of the painting

This painting will be available for sale on ebay soon!

I am leaving the old images below on the this blog, because everything we do is a learning experience. If someone can learn or take away something useful from my own learning experience (or mistakes) then I am a happy person and nothing is wasted!

Cheers! Bev

Farmer's Market

Farmer"s Market 24" X 18" Oil on Canvas

Its funny how certain subjects dictate a certain size. For me the sunflower dictates large. Its such a commanding flower that requires space and attention. That is why this painting was done on a larger canvas; 24" X 18"

This was painted from a photo I took in Chicago during one of their many farmer's markets. There was this long row of these outstanding sunflowers! I modified it from the photos slightly only for compostition sake.

I am working on trying to loosen up my painting style. I concentrated on value and color in this composition and left out a lot of the detail I would have normally put in. I am hoping to capture the light and the feeling of this farmer's market by placement of values and color. I also tried to slow down my painting and to calculate each brush stroke. So each stroke has a purpose. That is so hard to do! I am so used to get right in there and painting away sometimes not realizing what I'm painting. Painting more deliberately, I made less mistakes and used less paint brushes. I also really tried to keep to a specific palate of colors. I am still not used to mixing colors ahead of time and found myself mixing paint with my brushes.

Below are images of my process. I thought this would be a good learning experience for myself to, to see how I progress and where I am going. I thought you may enjoy these photos too.

Finished Piece