Friday, 4 June 2010

Another Poppy


 
Three Poppies


As you are all aware and are no doubt tired of hearing I have painted nothing of any worth at all since my accident. I am sure it is because I am trying too hard and not taking my time.


Yesterday I was down at my plot doing a bit of hoeing and weeding. I felt uplifted as I looked around at the vegetables I have planted. We will from now on, for the rest of the summer be eating our own salads. I have a row of mixed salad leaves and a row of lettuce. The more I pick some of the smaller ones the more the remaining will grow. Soon my neighbours will also be eating fresh grown produce.

I was alone at the plot, usually there is at least one other gardener around, but there I was alone. For an hour and more I gave no thought to painting. As I went to leave just opposite the gate at the side or the exit road was growing four marvellous poppies. It was like a message. Go paint something you love. I took a few pictures with my phone went home and painted just a small section of the blooms.

Just the one because I was sure if I got too adventurous I would manage nothing at all. I kept it small. I used watercolour, something I am not all all competant in using.  It is not anything magnificent but lets hope it is the beginning of something more.

But for now the poppy again is the symbol of hope. It has let me see a small corner of the world in a new way and to give thanks that I at least can see it. I wonder what Andy’s gadget would tell me about its colours.

This blog is linked to my other where I speak of Andy and Eddie.  There are many ways to see

16 comments:

  1. This is my favorite of all your paintings so far! I love watercolors (but haven't used them) and you are using them like a pro in this piece! The highlights on the edges of the poppies are perfect, and the shadows and the composition... It's all wonderful! Is it possible that your time away from creating art is allowing you to grow in new directions now?

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  2. What a wonderful watercolour. You've the transparency of the medium so well to show the transparency ofthe poppy petals! Congratulations a glowing piece of work!

    ps...glad you didn't 'bin' this one otherwise we'd all miss 'seeing' the beauty of this flower!

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  3. I did not get a chance to bin a dear friend helped himself to it before I got the chance.

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  4. This is so very beautiful, Ralph. Truly, I think your watercolor works are my favorites and I think you have a gift for them.

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  5. Ralph, it's brilliant. So that's how poppy's are painted in watercolor. Thank you Ralph, I am going to give a try. I also love poppy's.

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  6. i realy enjoy this watercolour. The colours are rich. I paint with watercolour because it has such a flow. many artists i've talked with,dont like using it for lack of control.
    I knew the med as soon as i saw it. I should like to see more.

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  7. Ralph,
    This is a most beautiful little painting. Watercolors have not been a favorite medium for me in the past but you've certainly changed my point of view! Please paint some more.
    Nora

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  8. Please listen all I hate painting in watercolours and this painting is cropped from the full painting I did the rest was just so bad. I do not think I will ever grow to like watercolours.

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  9. it is a shame you do not like watercolors when you obviously have such a talent with them!

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  10. Gorgeous. Really love it! I can't 'do' watercolours so I really admire your technique. Well done. :)

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  11. Your poppies are perfect - at least to me. So crop it to its most beautiful self, and let the "bad" go. I believe you have spoke to such a concept before, no? I went to Pikes Place Market in Seattle, WA, USA yesterday. It is a wonderful place with everything fresh - veges, seafood, fish, fruit - beyond what you can imagine! There are many booths selling fresh flower bouquets. Most of the bouquets had poppies in them. I took a bouquet home for myself! Your beautiful painting will last much longer than my bouquet.

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  12. again, you have painted an answer to a prayer

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  13. I can't believe you hate to paint watercolors, your poppies are so beautiful! They are a favorite of mine.

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  14. haha I struggle with the watercolors too. I mention the struggle with my iris painting of yesterday. I crop my paintings..I have no fear of scissors. you know it is ok to not like watercolor..life is too short to be unhappy with what you are using to paint.Do what you want, Ralph..be happy!

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  15. It's a magical painting Ralph.... do watercolours !

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  16. Ralph, poppies and watercolor my 2 favorite things. (just look at my blog heading) I can't believe that you wouldn't want to do more and more and more. Love it and will be back soon as my pc is fixed and I'm settled from the move. You've inspired me to do another poppy!!!

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