Orchids II

For my second batch of orchid photographs (see the first here), I have chosen two pinks – hot pink, and a more purple, muted pink. I love the way this first one looks like a blossom explosion. It’s as if, a second ago, these all could have been tiny buds, then you blink, and POW! they’ve blossomed. They look like they have only just stopped moving. They also look they like are whistling.

At the orchid show I experimented with taking photographs at more unusual angles, as in this next one:

I like how this angle highlights the little spiraling tendrils on each flower.  The leaves in the background provide a contrast to highlight the delicate, precise shape of each flower. In addition to these photographs of orchids, I’ve been taking shots of new spring flowers, which I’ll be sharing on my Facebook page.

Orchids I

I recently visited my local greenhouse to attend a special orchid event. My sister and I took our cameras along, and there were dozens upon dozens of gorgeous orchids to photograph. I’ll be sharing some of the best photos I took there, in between my regular posts about my painting and drawing.

I photographed this particular orchid because I loved the draping, clustered, pointy-petaled bunches of blossoms. They covered this great big plant and reminded me of party decorations. Each flower was very small and delicate, but together they were a very impressive display. Looking at the photo, I noticed the great variety of color present in the plant – several greens, yellows, fuchsia, deep pink, white, and even the bright yellow in the aging stems.

By contrast, this specimen had a very limit color palette. I loved the vivid orange, and the ruffled edge of the rolled petal. I’d really like a blouse inspired by this orchid.

Flowers are so artistically inspiring to me, and although I have rarely painted them recently, they are one of my favorite things to look at.

 

 

Preview

The Pawtuckaway Music Festival is coming up this Saturday, and here’s a very small preview of the work that I’ll be selling there:

Change and Promises (Hey! She’s talking!)

It’s been a while since I’ve shared any new artwork, but there’s a good reason. And it won’t be long before I’ll amend that absence. I have been working on getting some of my paintings together for an exhibition, so I’ve put other projects on the back burner for now. I still have some (ahem- LOTS of) finishing touches left to do tomorrow, and Wednesday I’ll bring my work in for submission. Then I’ll buckle down and draw something to share. If you’re in the Exeter, NH area- check it out, or even come to our opening reception Friday, September 10th. There’s going to be lots of great art on display!

Meanwhile, you can have a look at my portfolio, which is filled with work that you haven’t seen here (for the most part). I’ve got to bulk it up a bit, but I’m working on that too. And if you haven’t already, please visit my Etsy shop, Jem’s Imajes, where I am now selling my artwork. I plan to add more work on a regular basis, so keep checking back. It’s an exciting new venture for me!

You may have noticed The Canvas has a different look to it, and I like this new one a lot. It’s very plain, in a good way. I immediately needed a new banner when I changed the theme, and I hadn’t prepared one, so I’m left with one that’s stripped down to the bare bones of text only, and that is going to change soon as well. In fact, my goal is to design a new banner regularly, instead of just sporadically, as I have been doing so far. I’ve found writing things down gets things done. Let’s see if it works. (Speaking of writing things down, this lovely lady has been inspiring many to change their lives by making a list. First item on my list? Write a list.)

I feel almost guilty posting something without any piece of art at all, so I leave you with a couple of photographs I’ve taken recently. Here are summer flowers which forecast the colors of autumn:

Dreams

A Blank Sketchbook

I’ve received my sketchbook for the project in which I am participating. It’s ready to be filled:

Stage Three

Pressure

Tangelo

This Little Piggie Went to Market