In Living Color 43 - Oleander

In my last posting I mentioned that I need to start doing more of my own work rather then reproducing an other's work and little did I realize that my next painting in line would be one of my own.

This picture started with a photo I took while taking classes at the beach house studio.  There is a beautiful Oleander bush just to the side of the entry door and it was showing flowers in rare form that day.  I took several shots and decided this one would make a great painting.

Oleander - Photo

At the time I started this painting I still didn't have the layering affect for leaves down but just kept working layer by layer until a satisfactory result was achieved.

Oleander - Leaves

In order to paint the flowers without having to work around the areas that would remain white I placed Miskit masque fluid where needed which saves a lot of time and headache. 

Oleander - Masking

 

 

I started adding the color in a couple of stages starting with the smaller flower first to get the hang of it then onto the larger one.

 

Oleander - Flowers

 

 

 

After removing the Miskit I filled in all the details of the center and layered a little more color overall to complete the painting.

 

Oleander Morning

Watercolor

11" X 15"