Magnolia Blossom acrylic portrait magnolia flowers


Magnolia Blossoms
Acrylic
11"x14"
“Talent is a pursued interest. Anything that you're willing to practice, you can do.”  - Bob Ross

 I thought this was a wonderful quote.  I don't know if it has happened to you, but people say, oh you are so talented.  Not true, couldn't be farther from the truth, although I am sure there are many artists who do possess that something extra, something special.  But for the most part for the rest of us, it is just a matter of studying, learning your tools and materials, practicing, and then start to trust your inner self.  I am on a journey to try to find my voice.  Not that I am a late bloomer, but I should have already found it, yes?  I guess what I am really looking for is the way I wish and want to paint.   Not necessarily how I have been doing it.

 I am pleased with this piece.  Many thanks to Sanne who put this wonderful reference piece up at PMP.  Personally I think Magnolias are just wonderful flowers.  They have so many interesting stages.  Also it doesn't hurt that they are very common here in Georgia.  But I guess the biggest reason to paint them is that they feed my desire to use fuchsia or magenta.

 This also was an exercise in using a bokeh background, these were done freehand, not with a template.  I like the effect and that splash of white really does remind me of photographs.

 Thanks much for stopping by and taking a look.  I hope you feel the Southern sunshine, warmth and hospitality that this flower represents.

Comments

Helen said…
Nelvia, this is beautiful. You should be way more than just pleased. This is just perfection.
I do agree about the talent vs skill. Yes, there are those who are just oozing with talent. But, learning skills and practicing to improve those skills is how many of us create our art.
August 8, 2018 at 10:51 PM
Sheila said…
I love the way you said it Nelvia, and I feel the same way. :) "I guess what I am really looking for is the way I wish and want to paint." And I do feel like I should have found it by now. LOL ;)
I love the background on this, the light ans sparkle. Give a very elegant, celebratory feel. And the blooms. Well, they are always feminine and elegant aren't they? Gorgeous work Nelvia!!
August 9, 2018 at 12:48 AM
Mellowood Gallery said…
This is absolutely fabulous Nelvia! I like everything about it - great depth, highlights and super background. I think that an artist can, like a singer, give voice to many different types of art (songs) and each one can be an expression of the artist's voice. As long as you enjoy the journey it is a win/win situation. Have a great weekend!
August 9, 2018 at 11:49 AM
Nelvia said…
Yeah got to admit that I feel this painting g is a break through for me. I am really happy with it and now hope I can put together another one.
August 9, 2018 at 5:14 PM
Nelvia said…
Thanks Sheila, I am working through a book on finding your voice. I don’t know why some of these questions are so hard to answer when it is just to myself. But makes me think. Yes I am going to do another piece, poppies, using the bokeh as I think that might help me with light in my paintings plus it breaks up,the background and I think adds the movement and life these still life’s need. There are almost endless configurations that can be used. I dreamt up a painting last night, another galaxy piece that will be very different I think. Pulling it together now.
August 9, 2018 at 5:18 PM
Nelvia said…
Well I hope that is true because you know I bounce all around. I am working on the other piece, as I take your thoughts to heart. My first thought was “how lucky your students are” Val you just know how to drill down to it. Once I fix it I will repost and see what you think. Always, thank you so much
August 9, 2018 at 5:20 PM
Sheila said…
Wonderful Nelvia! You are great with the galaxy :) I looked up Bokeh, and pinned a tutorial. Really looks fun. She did it on a smaller scale. Knowing the process makes me admire this piece even more :) Happy creating my friend :)
August 9, 2018 at 7:09 PM
Nelvia said…
See now I am getting yiu involved in new vices, it gets to be rather relaxing. Also use mixing/transparent/since white. It gives a softer color than titanium. Also you can use a blender or matte medium, which again will soften the colors and edges
August 10, 2018 at 9:41 AM
hmuxo said…
You get better with every painting you do Nelvia!!!! This is truly amazing!!!
August 10, 2018 at 4:34 PM
Sheila said…
Thanks for that Nelvia! I'm pinning this for future reference ;)
August 10, 2018 at 5:24 PM
Joan Tavolott said…
This is really so beautiful!!! Your shading on the blossoms make them look so realistic and lovely. Excellent coloring...not overdone. Just stunning! I had to look up bokeh to see what it was, so this is a learning experience for me too.
August 10, 2018 at 8:23 PM
Nelvia said…
Thanks Hilda, I think this is coming close to where I hope to be, so am excited. I now have to be able,to do,another and then I will feel like this is really me and I am not off on a tangent. Right now the ideas are just flowing, so am in a good place.
August 11, 2018 at 9:22 AM
Nelvia said…
Thanks you so much Joan, all of these are things I have been working on and got bits and pieces in other paintings, but not all in one. I am going t try another still life, as close t landscape as I can get, and try the bokeh again. You see the circles close up, but from proper viewing distance you don’t see the, individually just a pop of color.
August 11, 2018 at 9:24 AM
Nancy Goldman said…
I haven't visited your blog (or any others) for a long time. I love what you have been doing. This one really stands out and I love the effect you did for the background. I've never heard of bokeh and had to look it up. I'm going to have to try that for a background sometime. I think I ruin a lot of paintings with my backgrounds....
September 11, 2018 at 8:19 AM
Festészetem tükrében said…
Sophisticated, beautiful colors, shapes!
September 30, 2018 at 8:33 AM
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