Orange Flower II

Orange Flower II,  7x7" Watercolor/acrylic on Yupo

© Helen Read 

 

 

The reference picture for this is the same one as the orange flower directly below this one, but my techniques and especially the paper on which it is painted were different.  Yupo is a synthetic paper - which is extremely smooth.  It is thick, however.  Because of its smoothness, and the fact that it does not absorb the paint, the effect is entirely different.  
This one has a very painterly feel, and in the way the paint pools and rests while it dries, it leans a bit toward abstraction.  All in all, I like the effect! 

Spots of Orange

Spots of Orange, 8.5 x 7" Watercolor/acrylic on #150 watercolor paper
© Helen Read

 

 

I was intrigued by this small spot of orange in a field of green leaves as I recently walked along a wooded road.   I think it is some variety of a pitcher plant, though I don't know for sure. The spots of color on the petals were beautiful, but the entire flower - really quite small - was the surprise to the eye!   It made a very nice watercolor with the orange against the greens and darker values under the leaves.

Small Plein Aire in Ink

This small piece was a quick study using ink from my view point in the park. It measures about 3 x 5", and took about 15 min. Doing a quick study is a great exercise! It forces the artist to be observant and record details quickly. Working in ink forces the artist not to be concerned with mistakes, and figure out how to incorporate them into the work! All in all, it's helpful - and fun to do.

A look at work from the last 5 years of July!

I thought it would be interesting to look back in time to see what I've worked on during the past 5 years in this mid-summer month of July. Scroll down for a year by year look! 

 

Coastal Road, 5x7" Oil on canvas ©2011, Helen Read
This one sold last year.

Knee Deep - Snowy Egret, 7 x 11.5" watercolor/acrylic on paper
©2010, Helen Read, ready to mat and frame

Pasture, Rainclouds Gathering - 6x8" Oil pastel on paper
©2009, Helen Read

Grape Bunch - 5x7" Oil on canvas
©2008, Helen Read, ready to frame

4 Fellows, 5x5" Oil on canvas
©2007, Helen Read, ready to frame

Blue Lagoon

Featured Painting for July!

Blue Lagoon and Palm Trees, 5x7" Oil on canvas, 

© Helen Read 

 
SOLD

This view is taken from a view off the western coast of Thailand.  The color and light of the water was particularly interesting to me!  What a lush and beautiful land!  I'm reminded of 
the beauty of God's artistry in creation no matter where it may be found.