Since I don’t have a regular studio space, I don’t paint regularly. Towards the end of Christmas time, I painted a lot — an Easter painting for Glenmary (that post will come out in April, since the painting is secret until then), a Christmas present for Bonnie, and the Farmer’s Market painting. There may have even been more, but those are the ones I can remember. After all of those, I cleaned my stuff off of our dining room table and haven’t painted since.
When I get into these spurts of not painting, it’s difficult to get back into the groove. Mostly because the next time I pick up the paintbrush, I feel rusty, even though it’s been only a few weeks. But, I wanted to start painting again, and I really want to finish a fruits/veggies series that I am doing as a belated wedding gift for my friends Terrence & Liz. I have one painting left, and I am psyched out because I started with this painting and it turned out horribly. So, instead of jumping back in to that painting, I decided to do a fast, easy painting.
Hence, the Purple Hyacinth Bulb. I bought this bulb at the nursery down the street, mostly because I loved the clear vase…and I thought it would be cool to grow something. So, on a sunny afternoon, I got out all of my stuff and decided to paint. I did something different in this piece — I tried pen & ink, without using pencil. I usually draw out a detailed sketch in light pencil and then paint over it. I have tried pen & ink before, but have always been disappointed on how the pen runs when I put the paint to the paper and it’s hard for me to lay pen on paper and not be able to erase.
So, I tried it as the setting sun was coming through the window, illuminating the vase & bulb, and I think it’s ok. It’s not my favorite, but I do like how the colors blend together and define the lines. I found defining the roots of the bulb and the various colors in the vase to be difficult, but it’s not bad, especially for an hour-long drawing/painting.
Its really hard for me to get into art once I put all my stuff away too. Way to get it out again! And to try something new. I *hate* how ink runs when I paint over it too. I mean I almost shudder thinking about it. But it really seems to have worked well for you in this piece! You should do another painting when the flowers bloom!
I knew you would understand! Once I get into the zone, I really enjoy doing the painting. But starting — that’s a difficult place to be.
I think I will try to do another painting on this — although not much is happening to the plant…pretty much looks the same, with more roots!
Has the hyacinth grown? I’d love to see it. I love bulb flowers. Bet it would be beautiful to paint!
Jenn — the hyacinth has grown considerably! I have thought about painting it, but I have been so busy in the past couple of weeks with design projects, that I just haven’t had a spare hour, even. The weird thing about it is that once it started sprouting flowers, the flowers were all dried/shriveled out! I’m not sure why…there’s still plenty of water in the vase…it’s just a mystery!
I’m with both of you. It’s the getting back into it that’s so hard. Once I’m painting (or crafting) it feels so good and I’m always inspired to pick it up again the next night. But if I go a day or two (or well, months) just finding my tools again can be tricky.
Hi Kelly,
Glad you found my blog! I’m even more glad that you can relate…makes me feel more “normal.” When I’m in the zone, painting is fun and I enjoy it, etc. But when it’s been a time since last painting, it is just so hard to get back in it!
Jenny
Nice painting ! I added it to Pinterest collection of hyacinth painting. http://pinterest.com/pin/191191946652979777/
Thanks so much!