Paint And Draw Together: November 2010

Monday, November 29, 2010

WIlliam Cook - Red Rose

Artist: WIlliam Cook

Medium: Oil on canvas
Size: 10"x 8"
Artist's blog: http://www.wcookart.blogspot.com/

Friday, November 26, 2010

Horst Hittenberger - Red Orange Rose

Artist: Horst Hittenberger

Medium: Oil on canvas panel
Size: 11"x 14"
Artist's blog: http://horsthittenberger.blogspot.com/

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Sylvia Young - Red-Orange Rose

Artist: Sylvia Young

Medium: Pastel on paper

Size: 8" x 12"
Artist's blog: http://sylsarttrials.blogspot.com/

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Challenge 12 - Red Orange Rose

I would like to sincerely thank everyone who shared their art works for the Pomegranate challenge. I learn a lot from feedbacks everyday and I am so grateful to all who take the time to provide constructive comments for each others paintings.

As the spirit of the festive Christmas season comes to us, I invite all of us to a new challenge.

What makes a good painting?

This question has caused more verbal and media wars in the art world than anyone cares to count. This is certainly not a surprise, considering that in today's world, we have such a broad variety of media and styles.

However, we all agree that all good paintings have a touch of symbolism. I hope my choice of painting subjects will help you to remember this when you compose your next painting.

The subject of the last challenge, pomegranate, was frequently used in the paintings of Old Masters as a symbol of the resurrection and the hope of eternal life. Because of its abundance of seeds, the pomegranate also symbolizes royalty and the church, where the seeds represent the many believers who make up the one universal church.

This time the challenge is a red-orange rose with rose bud.

Flowers have been imbued with symbolic meanings since ancient times. Many flowers used in Christian and Early Renaissance paintings borrowed their symbolism from mythology, and often floral attributes can be linked to mythological gods and goddesses.

Roses are ancient symbols of love and beauty. Each color has a special meaning, often different in different parts of the world.

Red roses are traditional symbols for love and romance, and a time-honored way to say "I love you." The red rose has long symbolized beauty and perfection. A bouquet of red roses is the perfect way to express your deep feelings for someone special.

With their blazing energy, orange roses are the embodiment of desire and enthusiasm. Orange roses often symbolize passion and excitement and are an expression of fervent romance.

With upcoming holidays I strongly believe each of us should use this time to show love and support to all we care the most about - family and friends. I hope painting this intentionally chosen red-orange rose will help all PADT artists to relax and maybe make that perfect Christmas gift you have desparately searched for.

About the photo reference

Artistically speaking, red-orange perfectly complements the green rose leaves. Combined with the intentionally chosen "smokey" dark background, the visual effect is very captivating.

The strong, but still defused top-left light source helps in defining the focus of attention - the rose - complemented by subtle and engaging shadows.

Accompanying rose bud and water drops are added symbols of youth, energy and freshness.

While you are painting this rose, think about that "special one" you would like to gift it to.

Please send a photo of your painting the latest by December 11. The next painting reference will be posted on Sunday December 12.