Crocus in Vase by Robert Bissett

Photo © Robert Bissett

"Corcus in Vase" by Robert Bissett. 7x5" (18x13cm). Acrylic on panel.

From the Artist: This little beauty popped up only a few days ago. Finally today I had time to pick it and do this little painting. Very simple composition and simple palette for a simple flower. The panel I selected for this was coated with Golden Absorbent Ground, which I realized only after touching it with the loaded brush. I quickly dropped the thick paint idea and used a watercolor technique. I used more of that ground as white out in a few areas. At the end it became clear I had left too much white space at the top; I added the blue swish.

From the Painting Guide: If you hadn't mentioned it, I wouldn't have thought the blue at the top was anything other than something deliberate. The diagonal line and gentle echo of the blue in the flower and shadow add a lovely element to the composition.

Things to Consider When Looking at This Painting:
Painting Glass: I particularly like the way the edge of the glass disappears at the top left, how it's up to the viewer's eye to fill in. Being very picky, the highlight that runs down the glass from top to towards towards the left is missing though you have painted in others.

Absorbent Ground: I've not tried this myself (yet!) but what I've read and heard makes me think it will be fun to try, lending itself to watercolor and pouring techniques. The way the petals of your crocus are painted, and the watercolor feel to the background, are an inspiration to do it soon!