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Sunday, January 23, 2011

Here Comes the Sun

Here Comes the Sun II
36" X 24" oil on canvas

This painting has been through so many incarnations that it should be called Metamorphosis, but I think I already named a painting that. I started this painting last year, after I completed a collaged art journal page, which you can see here. The colors made me feel very happy and peaceful, and I liked the composition. Mostly I like what I wrote about, which was everything I that makes me happy. The collage was called Garden of Hope. I had just taken an painting class and used oil paints for the first time, and I was dying to try them out. So, the beginning was easy. Lots of texture and lots of green paint, and the bird went on easily, and then I brushed on a huge lotus blossom. And by huge, I mean HUGE. It looked clumsy and garish, exactly what I didn't want my beautiful, serene painting to look like. So, I got really nervous about spoiling my vision,and I put the painting aside for almost a year. I didn't know what to do with it, until a few weeks ago, when I had the brilliant idea to cover the lotus blossom with a butterfly. I worked on that butterfly all last weekend, and guess what? It looked clumsy and garish too. In trying to cover the lotus, I'd made the butterly exactly the same size. I kept adding details, trying to make it work, but it was not one bit better than the lotus. So I put it aside and went to bed. The next day, after school, I went to yoga, and, right in the middle of class, I decided to paint over what I'd done. I rushed home, swept on tons more green and yellow paint with a palette knife, and, oddly, felt immediate relief. After the paint was dry, I studied the painting for another day and decided to go with my first instinct and use a flower for the other figure. This time, I went with a peony, a much more rounded form, and, for some reason, it worked.

detail
Here's a detail to give you some idea of the paint applicaton.

So I'm done; I'm happy now, and today I want to wish you the same thing I wished you when I started this process. Today my wish for you is that, like me, you have something to do, something to love, and something to hope for. I hope you are happy because here comes the sun, and I say it's alright...

(for Take a Word)

26 comments:

Maria-Thérèse ~ www.afiori.com said...

Quite lovely, and with so much depth! Interesting also to read about the process. Proves that you need to make mistakes to succeed sometimes.

Terri Kahrs said...

The end result is well worth the trial and error! Hugs, Terri xoxo

Shawna Lee Coronado said...

Kathy - totally love what you are doing - would love to friend you up on Facebook as well, but couldn't find a way to do it on your blog - and no email to email you either.

At any rate, keep up the great work!

Shawna

Janet Ghio said...

Kathy-I adore this painting!! It makes me so happy and that coupled with "here comes the sun" on a gloomy cloudy day in Missouri is just the best!! Big Grin!!

DMG said...

I'm so glad you all like it; the colors really make me happy, and who doesn't love a blue bird!

roc said...

this is really beautiful!

indybev said...

WOW! Thank you for sharing your journey of creation with this one. The end result is truly beautiful!

Judy said...

What luscious colours, Kathy, truly outstanding work of art!

Deann said...

Beautiful work Kathy...love the bird he is awesome!

Rhonda said...

This is fabulous! I love the little bird making its way through the flowers. Gorgeous piece - cheers!

Silvia(Barnie) said...

Beautiful painting, love the texture.

Pat said...

Wonderful!! J'adore!
I discover your blog and find your art work fantastic.
Bravo
Pat

Astrid Maclean said...

Stunning piece!!

Junibears said...

A beautiful piece of work.Oh to be so talented. xx

Rosie said...

I adore your art work. It's very beautiful

Linda Gibbons said...

A beautiful painting. Kathy.

Hermine said...

Its gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful, Kathy!

Taluula said...

I loved reading about this painting's progress and the wonderful way in which it turned out Kathy.

Glenys said...

Always a treat to stop by and see what you are doing...love your art and the colours that you use. this piece is truly beautiful.
Glenys

Jester said...

This is beautiful, Kathy, and worth all your reworking - I particularly like your bird! I love the journal page too, and agree about the colours!

Marit said...

It sometimes takes time, but if you let it - and come back later - the painting grows just the way you do! You proved it dear! Marvelous painting!

Lori Saul said...

Always so beautiful in color and design- your art is a joy!

~*~Patty S said...

Thank you for bringing the sun and so much beauty Kathy...fun reading how you knew exactly what you needed to do when the time was right...I think all those layers add mystery and charm to a piece...your use of color is always WOW

Thank you for the sweet wishes...right back at ya
oxo

Poetic Artist said...

Who does not love layers and layers.
Wonderful piece.
Katelen

Ozstuff said...

I am not qualified to be an art critic, Kathy, but in my humble opinion this is one of your very best paintings. It is breathtaking in its beauty and textures. The bird detail you enlarged is frameworthy in itself. The overall painting is magnificent with your trademark vibrant colours and design. Perfect in every way. Thankyou so much for showing it in the Take a Word Challenge this week.