Recently, I was in a discussion with some other painters about painting flowers with just 2 or 3 values. We agreed that it runs against our natural proclivity for detail, but "No petals--just large shapes" is the mantra of many successful floral painters! I often suffer from
wanting to paint petals...so my objective was to do the 2-3 value thing...(and why not go ahead and paint over an old crappy painting while I am at it...yes, why not!)
Here are the steps:
1. This is a failed landscape on it's side. The white chunk lower left was a house. I indicated the overall new shape with a dark red paint.
2. I put down the two values and I'm aware that it doesn't look like this is going to work. I soldier on anyway.
3. I begin to add some detail (but not much) to the flowers.
4. Once I add darks all around what I've painted thus far...it is starting to look like something.
5. Just a few more large shapes and colors (No individual petals) and Voila! A good practice session that proves that large shapes and 2-3 values carries the day.
Painting: Celeste Bergin,
Flowers in the sun, oil on 8x10 canvas panel
