Forsythia

6" x 12"
Oil on Hardbord
NFS

We had Forsythia shrubs in our yard growing up, and their cheerful blooms were always the first sign of spring. After seeing a painting by another artist, Azra Iqbal, I was inspired to paint some myself.  It has taken me a couple of weeks to get my hands on a sprig of my own, and I caught it just in time; the Forsythia shrub sheds its flowers, and turns completely green right about now.

Sunflower Tea - 2

8 x 10
oil on hardboard

I decided to use the same subject matter as my last post - Sunflower Tea 1, for the DPW Challenge this week. I wanted to see how different my painting would look using the approach of one color per stroke. The painting definitely has more dimension, but it was difficult to not lose the drawing while being so free with the brushstrokes. Somehow I still managed to overwork and fuss too much in certain areas. I might try this challenge again, only this time I will force myself to step back after every single stroke.

Sunflower Tea - 1



6 x 6
oil on canvas

I am having the hardest time working on smaller size canvas, it takes me so long just to fit all the elements in the composition. I seem to be challenged by anything under 8 x 10. However, I do like the color in this one - it lifts my mood. Do you think the sunflower weighs it down on the left too much?