I thought it would be fun to post blogs of my paintings showing the different phases it went through to get to the final artwork. So what better time to start than now! So here I go...
I was walking through Faulkener park a few years back and spotted these lovely yellowish colored vines creeping up an old tree. The colors of the leaves really popped against the dark gray tree trunk, and I HAD to stop and take a photo. Later, I realized it would make an interesting painting.
So, I started as I usually do. I pulled up the photo to reference and began by painting the background in various shades of gray and hints of black. My daughter also decided to break out her paints, too. So we had a little painting party that night. =)
Then I added the curvy vines.
And then it was time to paint the leaves... with a little flair of texture. ;-)
And then it was time to add detail to the vines...
and to the leaves.
Then I had to decide whether I wanted to stop here or just go for it and add a splash of more color. The original photo did have hints of orangey reds and greens on some of the leaves. I debated and debated. And then I just went for it.
And there you have it. =) Let me know if you enjoyed seeing the progression of this painting. I'd really appreciate your feedback. If I get a good response, I'll make an effort to show the "behind the scenes" of more of my paintings. Have a great weekend!