Monday, July 7, 2008

Coneflowers

Click on image to enlarge.

6"x 8" Oil on canvas mounted on hand wrapped hardboard.

$80

It's been 11 days since I last posted a painting and it's about time! I was really inspired by these coneflowers ( Echinacea) and I actually "stole" them from a yard just for the purpose of painting them. I have another painting or two planned for them, they are so fun to paint! I would call this a contemporary still life. The bright colors and stylized chiseling of shapes makes it look modern to me. I'm all over the place in experimenting and wonder if I'm hurting myself by not sticking to one style or subject. Sorry, just comes natural to me to do this. My illustration career was constant change and experimenting. I was never "known" for one style and was constantly asked to do this or that style and I'd try my hand at it. Now I feel that I need to settle in and find what I really want to put my time into and excel. But I'm still searching for that one thing! Maybe I'll have "periods" in my fine art career, like Picasso's blue period. But I do like to mix it up and other artist's are able to do that, at least with subject matter. Currently I need to decide if I want to continue developing a loose style or go back to my natural inclination to paint very realistically. It seems that I'm inspired by both and could go either way. How do I decide? Just paint, I keep telling myself.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think artists owe it to themselves to experiment. I don't know what direction you'll decide to follow, but this is wonderful work. Beautiful, beautiful color!

Marilyn M. King said...

Thanks so much for your input, Jennifer. I think I'll continue this style for a while and see what happens. I'm pleased with the painting and I'll see what kind of response I get from others like you. It's hard to be objective but I know that I enjoyed painting it! That's what matters!

Anonymous said...

That is what matters!

I've been pondering that sort of thing a lot lately, but don't think I've found the right medium yet either. Which is a big pain.

I really do love this new painting, especially the sharper white lines running through the petals in the front.

I think the subject matter would link the two styles together enough so that switching would not be a problem.

Anonymous said...

what a pretty painting!

arlene,
East Bremerton florist

Anonymous said...

This is going to be tough, but thank you for giving me the opportunity to shape your art career. Don't worry about a thing, finish your little cone flowers and I will have your next assignment ready. Think "mocking the masters"!

Marilyn M. King said...

Tiffany, thanks for your thoughts and I'm glad I'm not the only one struggling with career changing questions. I was thinking of settling on a style and keeping the variety in the subjects. Once I think I've decided on a path, then I'm re-inspired by a new artist or artwork and want to try something new. Fickle me!

Arlene, I'm glad to have you stop in and view my work. It's always a pleasure when someone admires your work. I'm sure you are the same in your floral work. So thanks for your compliment!

Marilyn M. King said...

Rick, you always step up to the challenge. I can't wait! I can't remember, did I pay your consulting fee yet this month?

Anonymous said...

Marilyn,

This is a change order. I will keep track of my hours.

Debbie said...

Your paintings have a wonderful loose feel to them, and at the same time, they also show that they are very well thought out. For someone who has spent years as an illustrator, you seem very comfortable painting in a looser style! It's also nice to hear that other artists find themselves changing styles or subjects or mediums as they are inspired by other artist's work. I'm the same way..maybe that just comes from having worked as an illustrator?