In Process

   Almost two years ago I was ask to silk paint an Iris for a wall hanging. Flattery will get you the typical response..."of course I will". Then I froze,  letting the doubts creep in.. what if I can't..my drawing skills are poor...

   Finally I just had to muster the courage to fail and give it a go! Once I began the doubts were gone and the joy of painting returned. This is a 33x36 inch color test. The pattern was created from a photo of the iris' at the Post office.

   I thought I was doing a really good job and ready to brag a bit...just a tiny bit! So I sent it to my silk painting teacher hoping for that pat on the back. She was so kind to give me the pat AND a lesson in value...not dollars but color theory!

   I ran it by Hubby AKA art teacher and he agreed. In fact he gave me lesson #2 and began to talk about how highlighting is as important as shading.

So...back to the studio to try to add more dark and light. I think I miss is the softness of the first version but love the drama of the second. Only through photos do I have a memory for what "was" and know when I stop comparing I will move forward without regret.

Now to work out a background that will allow the iris to remain the focus.