I just got the Matilija Poppy painting back from its last show. It has been a little over 18 months, 7 shows on 7 different states. I was expecting the painting back, but I was still excited to see it again. Usually when they leave, they don't come back!
I am especially proud of this painting. Now only did it come out exactly the way I wanted it to, it allowed to show at so many different venues and reach so many people. Sure, they were a lot of expenses involved on this whole adventure, but getting out there is a must!
It's funny that this painting came back just as I am starting a new painting for another contest. To see them next to each other allows me to see how my technique keeps evolving. That is something I normally do not get to do.
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| Before it left, back in January 2011! |
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| Now. Just look how beat up the box is! |
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| But the painting is intact on the inside! |
For this painting, my main goal was to make it look as if it was made with oils. I wanted textured brush strokes and I stuck to bristle brushes to achieve it. Now, I am coming from the opposite angle and trying to show the least amount of brush work possible. Not quite airbrush (that's still a pending quest!), but definitely something thinner and more 'ethereal' looking. The Marine Layer series is definitely a strong visual reference. This new painting is part of it, but it will take a few unexpected turns...
It will be worth checking out, trust me!