Spring Beauty

Spring Beauty

Spring Beauty, mixed media on gallery wrapped canvas

Spring Beauty, mixed media on gallery wrapped canvas

Inspired by all the spring flowers blooming in the local nurseries I felt I must capture this feeling on canvas. I haven't painted florals in a while, but this one was inside my head waiting to come out. My own garden was in much need of some tender loving care, so after I finished this piece I actually started the spring clean up in my own backyard.  Amazing what inspires you to begin a task.

This painting began the usual way, with a textured canvas and acrylic paints. But, then I picked up some oil pastels from our local Blick art supplies store (I'd been swooning over them for a while). I painted the canvas with acrylic paints and applied the oil pastels over certain areas to really "pop" the piece.  

Base layers applied in acrylic

Base layers applied in acrylic

Final layers applied with oil pastels

Final layers applied with oil pastels

So, now you can guess that I am in love with using oil pastels over acrylic. I love to experiment and play with new painting "tools". This is one I'm truly going to enjoy exploring. 

If you love this painting, the original is available along with reproductions on paper, canvas, and many other products. Here are just a few of the ways you can enjoy this painting in your home.  For more information on any of these products, just click on the image to visit my Fine Art America shop.

Thanks so much for taking time to view my art, and for your continued support friends. Until next time. 

Blessings my friends, your artist Mary

There is nothing more difficult for a truly creative painter than to paint a rose, because before he can do so he has first to forget all the roses that were ever painted.
— Henry Matisse