On Fire

Blazing calla lilies

Oil paint on canvas board, time - 2 weeks (less than 10 hours - another school assignment...)

This is also my first time with oil paint. Please criticize

If someone tells you that you should outline your sketch on the canvas with marker, then they are not a real artist. I don't know why I actually listened to my teacher about that, since actual artists don't do that, and I know all you need is a light sketch on the canvas. Because, this is the result.



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Critique we had to write:

Portfolio Critique
For
“On Fire”
Oil Painting
16”x20”

The assignment for this painting was to paint flowers in detail in solid color either from a picture,
or choosing our own colors. The picture I found is in split complementary color scheme. I began
by sketching out the flowers, and then transferring the sketch to the canvas board.

There are several technical strengths to this piece. The balance is achieved by placing the
large flower in the center, the small flower in its upper left end, and the leaf of the large flower
is pointed to the upper right end. The strongest element of design is color. The colors in the
painting are vibrant, and harmony is created by the use of cold colors in the background and
warm colors in the foreground. Unity is created by adding a certain amount of yellow to the
green used for the edges in the background. The second strongest element of design is value. The
three-dimensional shape of the flowers, and the depth of the background, is achieved by using
various shades.

The painting can give the viewer an entirely new way of seeing nature because of the brought
color of the lilies. However, the colors are aggressive, and not something to look at every day.

I learned a lot about using oil paint, since this is my first time with it. Flowers may seem a
pretty simple subject to some. I have never drawn or painted flowers before, as that never seems
interesting enough. Now, my opinion has changed. I got better at bringing out the lights in the
dark areas. The painting is successful in the placement and shape of the flowers, as well as the
contrast of the red and yellow. If I would paint more flowers, I would again choose ones without
too much green leaves, and with a lot of colors.




***Reference picture used for practicing purpose only. No copyright infringement intended.***