The desk is set up is the same arrangement every week, except this month the reference photo is a piece of amethyst. I suspect all those little geometric bits of rock will drive me crazy by the end of the week. But I am prepared to give it a go and follow along with Anna Mason's teaching.
Often when I post the comments are so full of praise for my talent. Almost feel guilty to tell you I have very little talent. I do have a strong desire to paint and dogged perseverance as I follow along with an excellent teacher. Since committing to classes with one teacher I can really see an improvement in my paintings. The next photo is an example of my first attempts to paint poppies.
The poppies were painted around 2013 or 14 and it was only when I discovered botanical style painting in the last 14 months that I think my skills improved. Now I am absorbed by looking at the detail in one flower, petal or leaf and find painting the detail quite relaxing. That style may not be for everyone and that is ok.... as I so admire all the wonderful mixed media art people post and it inspires me to have a go.
I have to say I love the poppy pic. The colours are perfect and I am certain you have real talent even if it's with instruction.
Hi Sandra. That amethyst is going to be lovely when finished. That poppy, loose style, is gorgeous. You have a lovely talent, and you are working hard to expand and build on it. Well done.
awesome desk this week and you do have an awesome talent...love those poppy! Have a great week. Vickie #23
Wow, you're really challenging yourself with that piece of Amethyst! You're wrong about your talent! Yes, we all need tuition but only talented people will progress beyond a certain level. I don't even thrive to paint like you do because I know I would never be successful at it, even if I had the patience for it (which I don't)! I LOVE your first attempts at your poppies and can only hope I will be able to paint like that one day. You see I find that loose style more appealing because perhaps that is more within my grasp. The exact botanical style I find less intriguing, but more amazing in terms of skills required, if that makes sense! I love how there are so many different styles of art to explore and in the end we all find something we can feel passionate about! Happy WOYWW! zsuzsa #30
In my humble opinion - it is hard work not talent - that produces the art - if we DAILY do the hard work - if we are IN LOVE with the activity and forgiving of our mistakes ( which teach us the most valuable lessons) we make progress...., to say it is your talent denies your hard work and the striving for improvement, keep up the hard work, and accept the talent comments as a compliment to your progression as an artist. Dxxx #31
I love your paintings and whilst you have the desire to keep on improving, then you shall. However you do have natural talent, nurtured by practise and hard work. I look forward to seeing your amethyst! I love this gem stone! Happy WOYWW! Anne #10
Ah so agree with old adage practise makes perfect. Yup what is old is new again. You're dogged determination though by some could be interpreted as talent... and I love my details too that is why I love illumated calligraphy.
Happy WOYWW and please do drop by my blog for the blog candy as thank you for the encouragment you've given .. ta!!! you're appreciated.
Don't do yourself down, you're amazing! Ok, you may follow tutorials but it still takes your talent to paint a beautiful image and you have it in bucketsfull! I haven't had a chance to thank you so much for your beautiful calendar too - it arrived safely and is in pride of place in my kitchen. Now I don't work, I often forget what day it is, lol!
I don't care what you say , those poppies are gorgeous. Love the Amethyst too ( i have some on my desk this week) . Soojay 44
I love those poppies! I can't believe you think you have no talent!! I wish I could do half as well. Keep practising! Helen #1
The poppies are beautiful! I love sitting and looking so carefully at something like a flower - you notice so much that you just wouldn't if you didn't focus on it! You think something is pink, well, maybe some of it! And then you notice all the other colors, and shades, and so on! Fun! Painting the amethyst will be a great challenge! Thanks for sharing, Lindart #45
Amethyst is a beautiful colour... and it is the stone in my Mom's engagement ring as my Dad didn't have a lot of money and purple is Mom's favourite colour... I think love Trumps money and thoughtfulness shows love... so maybe that will inspire you to look at that Amethyst a little differently when the form of it annoys you.
Such beautiful work. I love this and I really love your succulent painting on your previous post. Lovely!
I wanted to let you know that my new blog address is www.alexandramacvean.blogspot.com. Please make sure to update your newsfeed so we can stay in touch! :)
Those poppies are so dainty!My dad used to paint on silk, and the watercolour is like that too. Being absorbed in the details of flowers is a lovely meditation, and something we should all do more often I will post a photo of a small flower we almost passed by.It was stunning, yet simple.
It is beautiful work and I love it, can't paint myself though. I have a lovely amethyst ring adore the colour. Keep up the good work.
Dogged and determined forms a great part of talent girly, and the greatest part of you ask me, is modesty. I love the real life comment thatit will drive you mad in a while! It's a great thing to have a go at, how on earth do you choose your subjects? I would be constantly going for flat bland pieces, I'm very very bad at challenging myself!
The amethyst looks promising! Will look forward to seeing it IRL! But I also like the style of the poppies. And I think your determination, practice and perseverance adds up to talent :)
Hi Sandra, I think the fact that you have had to work at it to develop you talent & style makes the whole subject have more impact. Have the rest of a lovely week, and thank you for so many good wishes. Hugs, Shaz Xxx #4
I simply love your poppy painting and can see nothing wrong with your style - you're definitely not lacking talent! Hope you have a good week, what's left of it. Elizabeth x #21