Brittany's Gift by Sharon Walters

Photo © Sharon Walters

"Brittany's Gift" by Sharon Walters. 8x8.5" (20x21cm). Acrylics on canvas board.

From the Artist: I received a bouquet of spring flowers for Easter from my grand-daughter and they were just in time for the April painting project which prompted the title Brittany's Gift. My original set-up had a drape behind it but I was unable to get the effect I wanted. I am happy with the results of the flower.

From the Painting Guide: I wonder if this means your grand-daughter is going to start expecting to see at least one painting created each time she sends you a bouquet!

Things to Consider When Looking at This Painting:
Background: I obviously don't know what you had originally envisaged, but I think the background you have painted is beautiful. The color and tone make the paler, inner parts of the flower stand out. It works because the outer edges of the flower are so dark and it thus "pops out" from the background (rather than a flower where the petals get lighter towards the edges). The variation in color, rather than it being one flat color, makes it visually interesting but not a distraction from the subject.

Shadow: Initially when I looked at this painting I thought the shadow was too dark in tone and strong, that it overwhelmed the flower somewhat. But, looking at it, I've grown to like the strong shadow. Its solid shape and hard edges are a contrast to the delicate flower. It gives a sense of depth or space too.

As an exercise in studying shadows, I'd be tempted to paint another version of this with a softer and lighter shadow, then compare the two.