24 September 2009

dimming datura

8x6 oil on canvas panel

I chased the light, and also the flower. The Datura changed shape while I worked, sitting in the front yard in the late afternoon. I was interested in the gesture of the blooms. They are large and on the move. I'm actually a little afraid of them. I think they may try to eat me.

This plant, hallucinogenic or toxic depending on the dose, is near a brick wall. I couldn't think of how to represent brick without looking cartoonish, so I went for the color. It's a study, a reason to push paint.

Can I just say how much I appreciate my blogging pals?! I learn so much by observing their work and reflections. And I feel very supported and encouraged. Um, that makes my friends sound like a push-up bra. I guess that makes me a boob.

Dimming of the Day, Linda and Richard Thompson

17 comments:

Debbie said...

What a beautiful flower, it seems as if it's glowing! Love the red in the background, good choice.

Debbie said...

Dar, I have given you a Kreative Blogger award on my blog, I always enjoy visiting your blog, to see your newest painting, and to read your amusing posts.

Ann Reyes said...

What a beautiful painting, Dar! The flower seems almost mystical and the colors are so nice!

Dar Presto said...

Deb , I appreciate the 'glowing' review. I really like to show the translucency of flower petals. Thank you for the award! I neglected to follow through on 2 awards earlier this year. But I'll try to do them all, because I really enjoy linking to others' work.


Ann, thank you. Mystical, I like that!

Barbara Pask said...

Just gorgeous Dar. Paint on the canvas, woo hoo. Bet it felt good, lol.

Dar Presto said...

That's right, it felt good, Barb! Thanks very much.

Diana Moses Botkin said...

Nice one, Dar. Do these grow near you? Can you save me some seed pods?

Dar Presto said...

Thanks, Diana. I'll collect some pods for you as they ripen. Don't let those lego guys smoke 'em!

Sheila Vaughan said...

Dar, you are hilarious.. I sense more than a smattering of a British sense of humour there! As to the painting - the colours are soft and luxurious - same with the rose painting above. It's fascinating to paint these things from life isn't it.

Dar Presto said...

Ah, you know the way to my heart, Sheila! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Dar- I love the soft almost mystical quality of this painting. It appears almost pastel like in it's edges.
Really lovely- and the cropping of the image makes a great composition.
I love the evening fragrance of daturas.

Connie Chadwell said...

Dar - I totally enjoyed this - from the beautifully done painting with a hint of mystery to the text which concluded with the LOL paragraph. But I seriously love the painting - it's gorgeous!

Dar Presto said...

Thank you, Bonnie. Maybe I can attribute my edge-work to that intoxicating fragrance! I appreciate the composition feedback, as I was working on instinct there.

Connie, thank you. I'm going to try to get a handle on that mystery quality so I can play with it in the future.

I'm so glad folks can appreciate this piece despite my poor photography :)

Jala Pfaff said...

Absolutely gorgeous.

Dar Presto said...

Thanks, Jala!

Renata said...

I am certainly not a painter, but I do study Botany - what a beautiful representation of Datura!!

Dar Presto said...

Thank you, Renata!