Version Two: "Expressive Painting Practice" (above)

My first painting of these tulips went off the rails (included below). This project submission is a second try which I rarely would do. Still, there was something in these tulips I wanted to figure out. 

So, I used very soft colors for the background because the first time I tried, the background ended up taking up too much space, and left little room for tulips. Sure, the tulips were bright, but what about the greens and details? Turns out that the first rendition of this project was "painting practice." So be it.

Version One: "Expressive Painting Practice"

Decided this one would be my "practice" to move ahead. I was determined to learn something, not only end up with gigantic tulips to set aside for collage. Here, I faithfully started with the bright background which quickly filled too much space. I kept going but this didn't  mesh with my own idea about these tulips and leaves. I tried again with a more careful view of proportions, colors and details. 

In terms of the overall project process, the very bright lower background dominated my eye as I started painting, and I got carried away. (Not to say Brenda's painting isn't lovely, but I think she put the word "practice" into the title of the class for a reason.)

I have rarely gone off the rails this far and bothered to try again, but that word, "practice," spoke to me. Could I really be caring so much about getting it RIGHT? Nope! I was caring about the experience and result as a learner. So it goes!

Thanks for looking if you made it this far, folks! And I know that the second version tulips are not as sosft as I wish, but they do express tulipness, I think. 😉

Judy