Roses

After the conference just past, I had to clear the rose petals confetti on the grand piano, benches, cocktail tables … First thing that came to mind was “rose composition”.   

They were individuals but they were so whole.  I took a photo of them that afternoon.  Foreshortening.  I love roses in this context, not that I want them to be broken.  The petals showed their character in white light.  The composition and the flakes reminded me of a small black and white art collection I did.   

Next thing when I gathered them in my hand was “wow! So soft!”  They felt silky, velvety.  I didn’t expect such a happy moment in rose petals picking!  Soon in a big bag, the touch was thick, rich, delicious.

I always love to watch Debby the floral watercolorist work on petal upon petal, patiently and enthusiastically.   She sees the images even before starting and with her Japan made brush and W&N paints, she is like performing magic on paper.  Whether it’s a single flower or a bouquet, the outcome is her voice of passion for flowers.  But it hardly moves me to do one even though I love every single mark she makes, and I own a set of tools myself too.  I just know the type of roses I want to depict will definitely turn out not a rose-like rose. 

Now, how can I paint this luscious touch of rose petals?