Chrysanthemums

For "ALL FLESH IS LIKE GRASS, AND ALL ITS GLORY LIKE THE FLOWER OF GRASS. THE GRASS WITHERS, AND THE FLOWER FALLS OFF, BUT THE WORD OF THE LORD ENDURES FOREVER " 1 Peter 1: 25-26

After observing a demo by Master artist Robert Johnson in October,  I was inspired by his oil painting alla prima of roses. He was bold in using thick paint on the petals and leaves. He used very dark background against a spotlighted subject. He brought back the classical approach, with much consideration on contrast  and focus.

                    CHRYSANTHEMUMS
             

With Robert in mind, I worked on yellow Chrysanthemums contrasting with a very dark background mostly raw umber and ultramarine blue, and occasionally adding a small amount of burnt sienna.

I never tire of flowers.  Each petal is a movement.  They change their 'personalities' too as hours go by,  and start to wilt. Though I work on Mother and Child subjects as well,  flowers and landscapes alow me to really relax.

One more thing I learned from Robert and which I tried to work on here is to do brush strokes that follow the movement of the shape. In this way, we help visualize the subject better.

Improving on Colors

"What makes an artist is the ability to put together one's own experiences and what he or she has learned from others." -NConcepcion

Hydrangeas and Irises

                Oil Painting canvas 11"x14"
Artwork copyright by Noemi Concepcion

 
In my painting,  I used hydrangeas, irises and roses from my garden, to work on the color combinations.  There weren't many roses in October, so I just had a few to scatter around and fill up space in the canvass. I was also experimenting on a light background. After all, my wall at home is beige.

One of my admired artists is Laura Robb whose floral paintings show vibrant colors and perspective. 

https://laurarobb.com/


"In everything, give thanks..." 1Thes18a

May the Good Lord Bless You

English Park, CA

by Artist Noemi Concepcion

Oil painting on Canvas 20" x 16"

Artwork copyright Noemi Concepcion

Often prayers are said in adoration, thanksgiving, request for forgiveness, or petitions for our needs. Today, I feel like praying for blessings for you readers, as I would wish upon a dear friend... that the Lord give you peace...in your mind, heart and spirit.

         "May the Lord bless and keep you!
May the Lord let His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!
May the Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace."
                                                                               Numbers 6:24-26

The artwork depicts the English Park near my place. In reality,  I love to saunter around this lake as I watch moms pushing their baby carriages, or grandparents playing with their grandchildren. I nod to the joggers, walkers and couples as we pass each other. I slow down my movements as I anticipate the big dog on a leash walk by. I myself go around three times, enough to complete my prayers. I find peace in the calmness of the lake and the swaying trees. The tweeting of the birds and honking of the ducks are music of nature to my ears. Laughter of children brings joy.

Flowers For Our Lady

May is a beautiful spring month. I am thankful for the multi-colored roses that God has abundantly strewn in my garden. They make me happy as I stop and smell them. I appreciate this gift from God as I cut them, arrange them in vases, and often, paint them. I've experimented on classic realism and contemporary impressionism. I like them both depending on my mood, although I noticed that I am shifting to impressionism.

May is the month for mothers. I was blessed with a bouquet of colorful flowers from my children. It will be my next painting project. Three days ago,  I felt a push towards painting roses, and decided it should have a purpose. I am offering it to our Blessed Mother since roses are her favorite flowers.So I included her image in the painting. Interestingly, today when I went to mass, the priest said that it is the Feast Day of Our Lady of Fatima. The image I had painted was the Lady of Fatima itself. What a joyful occurrence, and today, I begin my journey of blogging.

 Flowers for Our Lady 

by Artist  Noemi Concepcion

Oil painting on Canvas 16"x20

Artwork copyright Noemi Concepcion