The Bellingrath Series
The camellias, azaleas, and tulips were amazing this month at Bellingrath Gardens in Mobile, AL. I took lots of pictures, and I bet you can guess what I had in mind! And of course, the bees were out taking advantage of the all-you-can-eat buffet provided by these stunning blooms. These guys will have cameos in the series.
What a little cutie!
Needing some intense focus time to get work done, I rented an Airbnb deep in the forests of Double Springs, Alabama, for a few days. The seclusion and quiet of the wilderness were just what I needed. No other person stopped by, and no cars passed by for the duration of my stay.
While there, I launched two pieces, and a rendering of the tulips below is one of them.
The amazing tulips of Bellingrath Gardens
In this image, you can see what was accomplished on the first day. It’s basically the sketch, with areas blocked in using a paint wash, and the beginnings of the dark background fully painted.
Areas blocked in with complimentary colors
Most of the foliage was filled in the next day, and the composition now shows promise!
The foliage is almost complete
I did not complete the piece during my retreat, but I got a big head start and am continuing work on it in my home studio. Here, with one tulip fully rendered, the piece is beginning to take shape, and I’m feeling positive about it.
Progress!
And so a new series has begun, and this 30” x 48” painting will be the first edition.