This week I’ve been painting the lovely cupped rose that blooms outside my studio. It’s called Spirit of Freedom, a David Austin stunner. Beyond it’s sweet fragrance, I love the hypnotic experience of looking into it’s myriad of petals. That’s why I’m calling this painting Rose Mandala, a meditation circle. Ommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!
I’ve loosely sketched in the outlines of the form with oil mixed with mineral spirits.
Layering in some of the mid-tone pinks using a thicker bodied oil, leaving some space blank so my colors won’t muddy prematurely.
Adding some cool toned shadows and roughing in the background.
Beginning to blend paint where added highlights and shadows meet existing paint.
Trying to develop the fluid character of the petals.
Adding more depth to the shadows and further refining the petals.
Satisfied with the balance of the refinement and flow of the petals and the overall form of the rose.
