Spring

Spring is the time of plans and projects.”

Leo Tolstoy.

Poppies

I've been so used to painting in oils I've missed out on the wonderful effects that watercolours can make. Of course its not so forgiving as oils, if it goes wrong there's no scraping and starting again.

Poppies
watercolours on watercolour paper

Gladioli

You must think me mad. but I love the rain, to be out with an umbrella, watching the reflections in the puddles, drops falling off flowers. The smell of damp earth and the glorious greys in the sky all makes me glad to be alive.

Gladioli
watercolour on watercolour paper

Spring Pansies

I took the photo for this painting about six years ago, I was into having big lavish baskets of pansies in my front garden. Now economy is the key, any spare money is spent on art equipment and trips to galleries and museums.

Spring Pansies
watercolours on watercolour paper

Orchids

My second post of the day, I'm on a roll!!

Orchids
watercolours on watercolour paper

Anemones

These flowers are one of my favourites and yet we hardly ever see them in our shops. There is something timeless, almost vintage about them.

Anemones
watercolours on watercolour paper

Lily Au Naturel

Painting flowers in their natural state is something new to me, they usually have to be in a vase. This is my response after copying Sorolla's Madonna lilies.

Lily Au Naturel

After Joaquin Sorolla, Madonna Lilies

I have copied this stunning work by Sorolla,  painted in 1916. The best way to learn is by studying master paintings and what better than this one. This is my version, its not completely faithful to the original, but I did not want to spend more than an hour or so, just to get the feel of colours, composition and brushwork.

My name is Millie Dean and I have been painting in oils for about three years. This is my first post, I hope you will join me and share your experiences as artists.
I have yet to sort out my profile and other details so bear with me. :  )



After Sorolla, Madonna Lilie
oil on oil paper