Valentine’s Flowers

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After returning home from teaching my classes in San Jose, I did what most American men did on Valentine’s Day. I quickly stopped by Wal-Mart to pick up some red roses before venturing home. I guess I’m a romantic. Walking by all those beautiful, colorful flowers inspired me. I said out loud in the over-lit aisles of Wal-Mart, “That’s what I’m going to paint for my Blog tomorrow.” I quickly picked out the most beautiful rose and some carnations, and headed to the cashier as fast as I could. This painting, “Valentine Flowers” is dedicated to all the women who did not get any flowers on Valentine’s Day.

Today I had in interesting day at my easel. I usually paint with a spotlight. Today I painted my subject under natural light. What a difference. If you are having issues with your colors when painting a still life, turn off your spotlight, put the subject in direct sun light, and see if that helps. When painting from life, everything that you need to know is right in front of you. All you have to do is correctly identify a color that you see in a subject, mix that color and then put it on the canvas. See it- Mix it- Stick it. That is it.

In making art (whether music, writing or painting), you are declaring what is important. You show the world what it takes for granted as you expose the viewer to a new way of seeing. For example, Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers,” some people love them and some people don’t. Some people don’t have any opinions either way. However, you have to agree, once you have seen Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers,” you will never look at a sunflower the same way again. You possess this power as an artist as you share your view of the world with others.

I hope that we can build a community of artists that can share information with each other.If you know of any artists that might appreciate being included, let them know about this blog.I hope to offer more painting tips as this conversation continues.

If you have questions that you would like me to answer, please don’t hesitate to email me anytime.I welcome your feedback. Stefan_Baumann@yahoo.com