The Story Behind the Iris

The "Purple Iris IV" (working title "small iris") is now complete, and I am now preparing to go into color on the small Hydrangea.
Have you ever wondered "What's the deal with so many Purple Irises?".
Well, for me, this particular strain (with the yellow beard) is a very beautiful one. The strong purples and the very strong yellow 'beard' with all of the mixtures of the two towards the center, or 'new growth', of the flower.
The story on this one is... my mother passed away in May of 1979. After the services, I took several of these bulbs from her garden home, to just keep a bit of her with me. Well, I certainly don't have a green thumb... but these delicate looking plants are EXTREMELY hardy. Thirty years and several moves, these Purple Bearded Irises, are from the same plant I took with me on her passing. I am preparing to split the bulbs again this spring and find room to put more.
My flower bed, at home, is a combination of subject matter. (A VERY funny story on that one later!) It is primarily Irises, but through the years I have added variations to go with the purple... all bearded. To name a few.. White on white, Deep Blue (nearly black), Lavender, Blood Red.... watch for more....
I guess that's all for now...
Thanks for reading....
Peace.
Linda

Better late than never....

Whew.. keeping this up daily is about impossible... how about twice a month until I find a way to organize my time a bit better.

The Hydrangea is still in Idaho so I have a few others that I am working on. Each at a different stage... I hope you enjoy seeing the process...

The small Iris is very nearly completed (a bit more glazing and shapening/softening edges and voila!). The medium one next to it, you may recognize as a portion of the Hydrangea, blown up VERY large. My intent is to use a much cooler palette on this and that is where the challenge comes in. I'm at the the early stages of working the composition out in a grisaille, then off to color. The large one has merely been sketched on with charcoal, and is going to be a challenge all of the way. It is 5' x 4' and a very close up of a rose... it should be beautiful.. if I can pull it off!

That's about it for now... I will keep the updates and a few mopre tips that are ion my mind coming soon.

Peace.

Nearly completed...

The Small Iris is nearly complete. A couple of days to dry a bit and then I can come back to it with glazes and finishing touches.

I have been working on several projects since the new year, primarily getting paintings ready to ship to Boise, Idaho. I am one of four artists that was invited to show at the Boise Convention Center for the statewide conference, "We are Family Conference".

This Conference is sponsored by Idaho State Independent Living Council, Idaho Parents Unlimited and VSA and the Idaho Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health. It sounds like it is going to be wonderful, but I'm sorry to say my work will be there but not me. The weather has been a bit wild and I think I need to stay safely at home.

For more informatiojn about this conference, you may go to

http://www.ipulidaho.org/index.html

I'll write more in the next few days.
Peace.
Linda

Remember me?

It's been so long! Sorry but my computer got ill and has been in the shop. But, I'm back with a force now! I hope everyone had some wonderful holidays and are looking forward to a great 2009!
I will be posting new updates shortly.. I really have been working hard.
For anyone near Boise, Idaho... I will be showing at the Convention Center from January 13 thru 16... I can't make it there, due to cold weather and not knowing when the passes will be closed down... but, I'm there in Spirit!
Bye for now... update coming tomorrow!
Peace.

No post tonight... but, watch for tomorrow!

In the meantime... please feel free to vote for my "Classic Red Car" in the Saatchi Showdown!

http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/showdown/index.php?showpic=181530

Voting ends tomorrow night! Thanks...
Linda

Back to the easel...

December already...
I'm working hard on this small piece today... it's quiet, the light is good... I'll post progress later this evening.
In the meantime, if you get the opportunity... please feel free to cast your ballot. This is my first entry at Saatchi, and I am curious how this will pan out...
http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/showdown/index.php?showpic=181530
Thanks, in advance...
Peace.
Linda

Latest update...Iris

Here is the latest update... sorry about the glare. Most of the work now is in the upper yellows and surrounding areas. More work tonight... will update again tomorrow.
Peace.
Linda