Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Female Cardinal and Rosebush


This painting is a study of light and negative space. I saw this beautiful rose bush hanging in a dark corner of a garden that I frequently visit. It was lit in a theatrical way that screamed "look at me, look at me." I did look at it and with the familiar whistle of a cardinal in the backround I thought she'd really compliment the picture. I've lightly drawn the rest of the bush with a white charcoal pencil. I'll begin blocking that in today.

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Another great work!! The light on the roses is fantastic!!! Ciao!!!
Paola

Mona Diane Conner said...

Johnny, thanks for your kind comment on my portrait.

This is lovely! The bird's feathers have such a soft downy feeling. You described the cardinal as pieced in, but the light matches so convincingly on both rose and bird. Looking forward to how it turns out.

Karen Hargett said...

Oh two of my favorite things - roses and red birds (as we call them in Texas) I love the light play going on and the feathers look so soft.

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Wes and Rachelle Siegrist said...

John, I'm always impressed with how easily you nail the perfect colors and values at the outset. You know you're missing out on hours of experimenting, guessing and reworking that the rest of us are so fond of doing?

The light and composition are just beautiful!

Wes

Loredana Mariotto said...

Nice and delicate, I like it!

Terry Miller said...

Hey John,

I don't know how you do it, but I am sure glad that you do! This is going to be a beauty, not that all of your work isn't. It's the light, man!

Kelly Singleton said...

This is looking wonderful! I LOVE the light coming through the leaves. Look forward to seeing the finished work.

John said...

Thank you everyone for the kind words!
Mona, yes I added the cardinal. It's always a little tricky to match the light.
Wes,if only I felt as confident as you make me sound.