Your shopping cart is empty.
Sep 02, 2019
I surprised myself this weekend.
After a weekend of painting, we ended the last hours of Fresh Paint 2019 with a "quick paint" competition.
What is a Quick Paint Competition?
A Quick Paint is a gathering of artists in one area, where they are given a limited (for us it was 2 hours) amount of time to choose something to paint, and have it completed, framed, and displayed for judging at the end of the allotted time.
No pressure or anything!
Don't Sweat the Details
Normally, I would enter this type of challenge with big ideas that require lots of detail, measuring, and critical thinking. But after a weekend of trying to paint larger scenes, I was ready to switch things up a bit.
I went small....super small. I zoomed waaaaaay in, and then took it to the abstract end of my creative spectrum. I analyzed the color gradient of a zinnia flower petal...a single petal, mixed the colors that I interpreted with a palette knife, and began applying it in a thickly textured gradient on my 5 inch x 5 inch canvas.
If you look carefully, you can see the petal sitting in the wet paint on my canvas! I am always so amazed by how much color and intricate beauty can be crammed into such a finite amount of space! Flowers are so fascinating, especially when you take the time to dismantle them, to see the beautiful architecture they display from within.
If one didn't know it, they would probably never guess that this piece was inspired by a flower petal, as the colors are so vibrant, and almost unnatural. But have you ever really examined the colors you can find in a mixed grouping of zinnias? Have you ever tried to take a photo of one, and then zoom in until you see individual pixels? The colors are astounding!
Just Let Go and Have Fun!
I have been thinking about, "letting go " of the idea of trying to capture everything just as it is when I paint, for quite some time. This was my golden opportunity! And the quickest painting I have ever done! It was so freeing to paint more intuitively, rather than to try to be so exacting. I am so glad I went out on a limb to try this!
For me, this weekend was all about stepping out of my comfort zone, pushing my artistic boundaries, and experimenting with new techniques, while getting to surround myself with likeminded people who love the arts, and love to create, just as much as I do.
Do Your Own Thing and Don't Fret over What Everyone Else will Think!
My painting did not really fit in with the other gorgeous, more zoomed out pieces, and I was feeling a bit self conscious about it, but I just went with it anyway! It felt good to do what I wanted, even though I knew there was a chance it would be a complete failure. As I mature, I am getting used to the idea that it's not necessarily failing....but learning another way not to do something! And with trying new techniques, there's always a chance that you might discover something that is uniquely you, that you'd only find out by trying something new, and out of your creative comfort zone.
Zoomed In Zaney Zinnias
I love the way my quick painting turned out! I love its bright and cheery colors. It's a bright pop of color that will remind me of my long history with one of my favorite flowers...the Zinnia.
Order fine art prints in several sizes on canvas, metal, paper, wood, or acrylic, and on merchandise like puzzles, pillows, mugs, and more.
This plein air painting was created by artist, Marie Stephens, in the Amana Colonies on August 31, 2019. She styled the piece with Monet on her mind, painting the entire scene, with her glasses removed.
It was an overcast, misty afternoon, and even though the sky was dark, and her vision impaired, Marie was still able to make out bright clouds of color, scattered throughout the beautiful cottage garden located right next to The Chocolate Haus, where she had just found a lovely cup of coffee to carry her through completion of the piece.
She began by using a palette knife, applying the brightest yellows and oranges that are so bright when the late summer nights begin to cool down. Then those deep reds of the roses, and the plethora of other flowers throughout.
Hour by hour, the colors began to dance across the canvas, inspiring her to keep going. The lovely old world brick colors of the home behind the building help tie the piece together. Finally, the accent flowers that stole the show...Cleome...those lovely tall pink spires with the most unique floral architecture.
As she worked away, she began to tie everything together with greens and shadows, darkening the darks, and lightening the lights. She painted until the once bustling streets filled with pedestrian tourists, tour buses, and local residents, were empty, like a ghost town. The mist began to fall, and her eyes finally gave out. The painting was complete.
The original painting was sold at Catiri's Art Oasis, in Amana, Iowa, but prints can be ordered here on my website. Catiri's Art Oasis is the organizer of Fresh Paint, the plein air painting competition during which, this piece was born.
This is only visible to you because you are logged in and are authorized to manage this website. This message is not visible to other website visitors.
This means you can use the camera on your phone or tablet and superimpose any piece of art onto a wall inside of your home or business.
To use this feature, Just look for the "Live Preview AR" button when viewing any piece of art on this website, and stand 10 feet from the wall you are pointing your phone camera to.
This means you can use the camera on your phone or tablet and superimpose any piece of art onto a wall inside of your home or business.
To use this feature, Just look for the "Live Preview AR" button when viewing any piece of art on this website, and stand 10 feet from the wall you are pointing your phone camera to.
Marie Stephens Art
Free Print +15% off YOUR FIRST PRINT ORDER
Enter your email below,
and we'll email you a FREE PRINT+ 15% OFF Coupon right now!
As a bonus, you will get first dibs on purchasing, new original art with exclusive insider pricing.
This offer is valid for NEW CUSTOMERS only and applicable only for regularly priced prints.