Title and Medium
Red, Red Rose by Mary Williamson. 8.5" x 11" textured paper for acrylics. Cadmium red medium and Mars black.
Artist's Statement
I had painted a landscape for this assignment, but it just was not working for me, so I laid it aside and started working on this rose. As I was finishing, I realized it also is monochrome. I used sketches and a couple of photos I'd taken.
I decided on the close-up as a way to try and emphasize the velvet texture of the petals. I had some trouble with the red because of its transparent coverage. I was able to get deeper color by layering on the red and highlights by letting the paper show through.
What I'd Do Differently
- On the project assignment overall, I wish that I had not spent so much time on the previous painting I started for this project. I wasted over two weeks staring at it and trying to make it work before giving up. This is my first time painting a closeup of a flower and I enjoyed bringing about the contrast between highlights and shadows. I would have liked to have painted it on canvas with oils to be able to see how the layers of color give the painting more depth. Most of all, I'm happy I finished a project in the month it was assigned (for once).
Marion Boddy-Evans, Painting Guide, says:
This is a very striking painting, it has an immediate, powerful impact. If I were you, I'd definitely do another version on canvas with oils. Good ideas for paintings shouldn't be used only once.
Don't knock yourself for "wasting time" on the previous painting. If you don't persist with a painting, try to work through a problem, then you won't develop. You may not end up with a successful painting, but it will have taught you something, even if it's not clear exactly what.
