Cosmic WIP

Cosmic Poppies

15" x 11", watercolour on Fabriano Artistico extra white

The news that I was included in Robin Berry's new book (see my previous blog post) inspired me, and I found my work going in a new direction. Cosmic Poppies is the result, and I believe it's my best ever work.  I had the reference in my "to paint" file since June last year, these unusual oriental poppies are part of a huge plant in my garden and I always wonder at the strange colour combinations - both magenta and red in one bloom, another almost completely red, and some more of a purple shade.  I worked with the colours and chose an analogous palette, using ever one of the eight reds on my palette for impact.

I recorded my progress in a series of photos, shared below.

 

A wonderful start to 2012

Just over a week ago I learned that my painting "Pretty Peas" (above) has been included in a new watercolour book by Robin Berry, a huge privilege and my first published work!

Having received my copy of "Compendium of Watercolour Techniques - 200 Tips, Techniques and Trade Secrets" I am even more thrilled, this is a fabulous book, very well written and illustrated, and I can recommend it both to beginners and more experienced watercolour painters (and no, I don't get any money from the sales!)  It's already inspired me to try something different which has got to be a good thing.