Florals

Plein Air-Mark Monsarrat, Artist

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Oil Still Lifes: Florals

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Whether rendering the lavender cascades of a grouping of lilacs, or the large, gently folded petals of giant yellow and pink roses, careful attention must be paid to the gesture of the flowers as well as the play of light and shadow that reveals their forms. And especially important is the warm and cool intermixing of pastel colors against a pleasingly contrasted background, thereby avoiding chalky, pasty mounds of paint in favor of richly colored and textured flowers. Add that touch of sparkle with a well placed highlight or two, and "voila"—a painting as beautiful as the subject itself.

16"x20" Pink Flowers

The Beauty of Florals

Painting from life in Florals is one of the most rewarding of genres. Begin with beautiful, graceful flowers placed in fine vases, add colored cloths and dramatic lighting, and you have a gorgeous subject from which to make a tender and sensitive rendering in paint. Capturing the fleeting and delicate beauty of nature's finest creations is no easy task, requiring the skill sufficient to combine careful study with confident abandon in paint handling.