Hibiscus by Brenda Orton

Photo © Brenda Orton

"Hibiscus" by Brenda Orton. 7"x9" (18x23cm). Oil on canvas board.

From the Artist: I'e wanted to try something like this and when I saw the project I was excited to give it a whirl. Firstly, I went to my neighbors and asked if I might pluck a flower (they said yes) then I decided to leave it in place to sketch it on the canvas because I really wanted a full front-on picture. This blossom was just so perfect that I was reluctant to "pick" it, however I did in the end.

I started painting outside in front of the bush until I was forced by my hurting back, and intense heat (over 90°F) to move to the shade. Once the flower was satisfactorily on the canvas, I placed it on the table in front of me for further reference (this I forgot to photograph.). By that time, the poor thing was very wilted and torn. At the end, my paint had begun to go into little balls because it was drying too fast with such heat (a new experience).

Because of the method I used, I don't know if it will meet the project's criteria, since I let nature do the set-up for me. It was fun though, and I love the picture. Now I have a beautiful hibiscus painting to remember my winter in Florida when I return north. My dear hubby said all it is lacking is the fragrance (which hibiscus don't seem to have anyway).

From the Painting Guide: Hibiscus flowers are surprisingly delicate, given how sturdy the stems and leaves of the plant are. This particular bloom was really posing, wasn't it! I'm not surprised you were reluctant to pick it, but as you say now it lives on in your painting. I'd say it counts for the project, because you painted it from life.

Things to Consider When Looking at This Painting:
Background: I like the dark, simplified background with the leaves emerging from it. It really allows the delicate pinks of the flower to stand out and also gives the flower real prominence, which matches the concept of a "flower portrait".

Signature: How prominent you make your signature on a painting is very much a question of personal preference and style. Because I like small and slightly hidden signatures (in either the colors or tucked under an object) I find the signature on this painting a bit distracting.

Color/Tone on the Flower: I would add another level of dark tone to the flower. Specifically right in the center where it needs the darker pink heart, and along the edges of each petal where they overlap one another. With the latter, work it up very gradually with thin glazes and keep the edges soft. It just wants a little hint of shadow on the overlap.