Straight Painte

Hydrangeas, also known in South Africa as Christmas Flowers, are a great favourite to paint, and patience is required. There are different approaches, one can paint impressionistically or go into more detail, both giving the walls of display or background to decor a great uplift, as the flowers are so magnificent.  They can be seen growing in greater sized bushes in the gardens of Hohenhort Hotel and also in Kirstenbosch and the surrounding areas which are lush and forestry, reminding one of the time elephants roamed the slopes of the mountains and valleys.       

Oils on Acrylic base Hardboard. 2006.  75X60cm R2500

An attempt to capture the lightness of the floral kingdom.

Painting flowers is a major challenge, particularly in the medium of oils, because of the transient impermanence of flowering plants in nature. The light shining through the transparency of the petals - here today, gone tomorrow can be conveyed with a light touch. However, in oils if the consistency is not exact, and the paint quality correct, the first application will fade.  A successful flower painting will convey delicate beauty. A once-off application is best and therefore one needs to know the consistency and performance of the selected paint before the painting trial begins.

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Bringing red into the picture was a great experience, yet difficult, because of the pastel value of the flowers. The red is balanced by the dark blue bowl and the dark green of the leaves.

Oils on Acrylic Base Hardboard. 65X50cm. R2000

 The afternoon sunlight alighting allows itself to be interpreted in infinite ways.                  

Oils on Acrylic based hardboard. R2500. Unframed.

As a supportive decor piece. Hydrangeas brighten up the home as this dynamic lighting in the late afternoon showed.  The colours seemed to intensify as the electric lights were switched on.           

Oils on Canvas Board. Part Painting. 900X800mm.  R2500 The full version below.

2004. Hydrangeas. Oil on Canvas Block 93X72cm. R3000

Especially in December, Hydrangeas flower in most delicate hues, pink, blue and lilac, white and yellow. They last in a vase for a very long time, shooting out sprouts of new leaves as they dry out and root, if kept watered long enough, allowing the replanting the stems to eventually give the same type of displays if watered regularly.  According to my favourite diary, Sojournal, (http://www.sojourney.co.za/) Julisa this year,  gives a clip about Capricorn ruling the bark and structure of plants, and "cuttings to soil and can propogate" - round about Easter/Pesach.  Painting Hydrangeas can be an experience whether muted shades or bright and lovely.

1997. Oils on Canvas Board. 85X70cm.

Sold - Heather Auer inspiration.