The White Iris is the beginning of the end (I hope) of my current artist's block - which I envision as a huge boulder sitting right smack dab in the middle of my road. From the moment I saw the beautiful white flower growing in the neighbor's yard, I knew I HAD to paint it. That feeling is what has been missing from my journey the past couple of weeks. Thomas Edison said "genius is one percent inspiration and ninety nine percent perspiration," and as a genius he would know about things like that. On the other hand, as an artist I know that the tiny little one percent is the most crucial of the whole equation. Without inspiration, there is no real art, no matter how much perspiration is generated. And, like it or not, real inspiration comes from God, not from me. In Bible college I learned that the word inspiration actually means "God-breathed." Wow! So, when I become dry and weary from trying to crank out artwork because I am supposed to, because people expect it, because I have to list something by Tuesday, or because if I don't produce something, I am no longer an artist - well, it is time to step back and let God "breathe" into me again.
It seems fitting that the last painting I did before my block was a white Persian cat, and the first painting afterward is a white flower. I love painting "white," because it never really is just white. There are always soft subtle colors in the shadows and bright highlights that are just a step away from white. I get lost in them.
This painting is acrylic on gessoed board, framed with a black wooden frame. It has been listed on Daily Painters and Art Helping Animals. 10% will be donated to Old Dog Haven and 10% to Children's Cup International Relief.
5 comments:
BLOCKBUSTER Indeed!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If there were an academy award for art, this one would sweep the awards!!!! And oh, my goodness...You have quoted one of my all-time favorite quotes...and you went to Bible college too??? WHERE???????????? Maybe, I KNOW you in REAL life????
Anyway, I can't say enough about this painting...It's a WOWWWWWWWWWW!!!!! Absolutely INCREDIBLE...the detail...the shading, the lighting, the composition...WHITE flowers are THE most difficult of all...and you have nailed it!! Hit is right out of the ballpark...and this fan has jumped to her feet and is applauding wildly!!! Love you much!!! Janine XOXO
My goodness! Thank you, Janine for all those lovely comments! You are a dear person and a good friend.
Your husband is very proud of you too!!!!!!!!
What a lovely painting. Love all the colours that make the white!Makes me want to try painting some of the flowers of pics I took at my MIL. I have had a block for about a year but your beautiful paintings inspire me to maybe pick up a brush again soon.
Thank you for all your kind comments on my blog. Hopefully The blog will get back to it's silly self soon!
Thank you so much! I hope you pick up your brushes very soon. You are so gifted, and doing art always makes me feel better.
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