Painting: Hollyhocks

I took the photos from which to paint these hollyhocks almost a year ago on a neighborhood walk. I have never chosen flowers as the subject of a painting, but when I started painting again a few years ago I was excited about tackling new subjects. And, this particular one made it to my nesting list. Not exactly baby apparel I know, but this painting was something I had in mind for Scarlett's room and I am desperate to get some things finished for her so she does not become the forgotten middle child when her little sister arrives!

So, hooray! I finished the painting! Every painting is instructive (my sister and I talk about "laps in the pool") and this one was a bit surprising too. I actually roughed in the layout last December and thought I could finish it in a couple hours. I thought it shouldn't be that difficult because it was just flowers--not a portrait or anything. 

Well, turns out that flowers are much more complex than I realized. I invested many more hours. But I also am more fond of this painting than I thought. I was thinking of it as "decorator" painting to fill a spot in a room as opposed to a serious composition but I like how it turned out! And I also really like it in Scarlett's room. A bunch of vibrant pink hollyhocks is about as girly as it gets--fun for my little girl's room.

This painting is 20x16--a much more comfortable scale. The flowers are about life size, which I love to do.

I wasn't sure about framing... I wanted something with more of a cottage than a formal feel. I ended up buying a pretty basic frame with a strange black and brown finish on sale at Michael's and using a can of Krylon to paint it robin's egg blue ("Blue Ocean Breeze" actually). I think it works. And it was a great price! And, it was instant DIY gratification.

I have a couple other things in mind for Scarlett's walls. This went smoothly enough that I'm motivated! I'll get her room finished yet.