Wednesday, 17 February 2016

woyww - desk mess and a flower

 The desk is a bit of a mess with a new palette arrangement.  I had been using a plastic palette but the paint was staining the plastic and it was hard to get a good match when mixing colours.  Have now moved to a heavy duty plate which I can wipe clean.  The other odd thing on my desk is the toilet roll covered in paper towel.  When the outer layer gets covered in paint I replace the sheets of paper towel and the the inner roll just draws off the moisture.  Sounds odd but it seems to be working well and takes up less space on a crowded desk.  On the left are notes from Anna Mason's tutorial.
Almost finished painting the Phalaenopsis and hope to complete it on the weekend.  Just needs some finishing touches.  Not sure about the painted background?.... do tell me what you think.  Always good to try something different at least now I have a good understanding of the structure of the plant and will probably paint another plant without a background.  

Have a great woyww and I plan to slowly visit lots of desks over the week.

18 comments:

  1. That is stunning Sandra. I have a feeling it will look even better without the background :-)
    Here's hoping you have a good week.
    Hugs,
    Annie x # 14

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  2. You have done a lovely job on your flowers Sandra. Maybe the background feels a little dense with such delicate blooms but we all learn with every piece of work we do. Maybe I'd have used a light wash but its easy saying that when you've not done it. I understand about the toilet paper - I use an old flannel. Good luck x Jackie 24

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  3. This is perfectly lovely and I think the background makes it look very much like a professional photo as the mottled effect is very similar to a photographers backdrop. I love it!
    Hope you have a great week, and thanks for stopping by mine earlier,
    Diana #21

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  4. lovely painting as usual. I like the background, I actually thought it was kraft paper. Vicky#7

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  5. So glad I stopped by here. Two brilliant tips I picked up; the ceramic plate and the toilet paper roll. Lovely watercolors, too. I really love the shell you did in an earlier post.
    Cathy #53

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  6. This is stunning. Thanks for sharing. I also like the tip about the toilet roll. It's great to find little life hacks that help us in our work isnt it?! Happy crafting, Max #60

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  7. Beautiful blossoms with such delicate petals! I love the background! The flowers wouldn't show up so well against a white background! Happy WOYWW! zsuzsa #40

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  8. Beautiful painting! I like the subtle background. Makes the flowers really pop.

    Have a great week
    Sharon K #42

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  9. Hi Sandra, personally I think the background is perfect- the colour is the perfect one for the flowers, but it doesn't overpower, it lets the flowers shine. Lovely. Have a great week, Hugs, Shaz #6 xxx

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  10. lovely painting. I don't think the background compliments it, tho it doesn't detract. I've painted a lot with "disembodied" objects, and I find I like to add more interest around the focal image, even if it is a botanical study- a insect, or seed or something.
    I've almost given up on pallets for mixing. I just mix on my craft sheet or on the paper. If I am doing a big wash, I use an old freezer tray. It's enamel I think and easy to clean. I also have some ceramic dishes I can't get rid of, tho I don't use them as much as I used to.

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  11. Your paintings just get better and better.. hope your palette plate continues to work well for you! Thanks for visiting. Helen #1

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  12. Hi Sandra, love the orchid and I think the background is perfect and makes the flowers stand out so well. Thanks for the visit to mine and happy woyww, Angela x 26

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  13. Wow, your flower painting is gorgeous! The toilet paper roll idea for drying wet paintbrushes sounds interesting, so I'll be trying that one. Happy WOYWW!

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  14. Beautiful painting and interesting use of toilet paper for your brushes I wouldn't have thought of that
    hugs Nikki 3

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  15. I like the background, it throws the beautiful flower into relief. It's quite different painting on a background that isn't white. I remember my old art teacher making us cover paper/canvas with a wash before we started any project.
    And the semi circle of paint cubes really pleases me :-)
    Hugs, LLJ 9 xx

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  16. I think the background looks good. Sort of a faux marble effect? Can I see it IRL, please? :)
    No time for creating AND blogging, at the moment, one or the other only.

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  17. Such a lovely painting!
    Soft and delicat...

    Sussie nr 50 WOYWW

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