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Show me the light!


Geranium Light
  watercolor on Cartiera Magnani paper
35 x 49 cm./ 13.5 x 19 inches

I started this painting back in September and decided to lay it aside soon afterwards. Honestly, I felt daunted by painting in a larger format, which I used to do often before but had finally put aside ( 20 years ago, yikes!). I pulled it out and decided to finally face the music.

I love the beautiful light pattern created by the rising sun shining from behind the flower. I was worried whether placing the flower in the middle would work or not, a few thumbnail sketches to work out my ideas first solved the problem.

It was challenging to work on the larger size , working on unfamiliar paper added much stress. I bought loose sheets back in September, by Cartiera Magnani, that I used for this project. In the end, it was fun. I just needed to get into a different mind-set.


thumbnail sketches always help

I hope everyone is enjoying the coming of Spring!
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Comments

  1. Helen H Trachy20 March 2014 at 13:21

    Wow! This is a real beauty Celia! You've got to be real proud of this one, the setting and colors are glorious. What's different with this type of paper compared to Fabriano? Hugs

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    1. Celia Blanco21 March 2014 at 11:28

      Thank you for your kind encouragement, Helen! Fabriano paper never gives me problems, even the first time I used it. This paper soaks up a lot of pigment, but once wet it does stay wet for a while. Have a nice weekend!

      Delete
  2. martine paquet20 March 2014 at 17:44

    Georgeous! I love seeing the thumbnails. And the result is fantastic.
    Like Helen, I wonder about your new paper ?
    Hope spring will arrive soon..but today in Montreal, it is rain & snow!

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    Replies
    1. Celia Blanco21 March 2014 at 11:33

      Thank you for stopping by and leaving such a nice comment, Martine! It helps to experiment with different papers, in watercolors the surface effects the outcome a lot.
      I'm sorry you are having bad weather but it will help the spring flowers!

      Delete
  3. Debbie Nolan20 March 2014 at 19:09

    Celia - this is really superb! The vibrant colors just dance on the paper. I am very timid working on large sheets too. Often times struggle to fill up all the space. How did you like the paper? It certainly looks like you did so well with this new type. I am always trying something new but generally stay with Fabriano and Arches. Some of my sketch paper is Canson and Kilimanjaro by Cheap Joes - Thanks for sharing. Have a great day.

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    1. Celia Blanco21 March 2014 at 11:38

      Your comment just made me smile, so very nice!
      You hit the nail on the head, I felt it was a struggle to fill up the space. I can easily see your beautiful bird pieces in a larger format!
      I personally love Fabriano and would still need to try Arches but find it somewhat expensive. Have a wonderful weekend Debbie!

      Delete
  4. Ann20 March 2014 at 19:43

    This is glorious! And yes, I am so ready for spring!

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    Replies
    1. Celia Blanco21 March 2014 at 11:44

      Thank you Ann, I appreciate your visit! I enjoyed your sea watercolors...now onto summer! :-)

      Delete
  5. Polly Birchall20 March 2014 at 20:49

    You really have captured the beautiful light

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  6. Lorraine Brown21 March 2014 at 00:24

    love how it is reaching for the light. Vibrant colours and those hard to get greens just right

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    Replies
    1. Celia Blanco21 March 2014 at 11:49

      Thank you ,Lorraine, in particular for mentioning the greens...it's always the hardest part for me!

      Delete
  7. Art Maine21 March 2014 at 03:17

    Red in Roma

    A spring flower
    blooms forth with a
    hint of Italy
    in the background,
    a lovely large
    watercolor;
    the journey to
    get there, so nice,
    molto bello.

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    Replies
    1. Celia Blanco21 March 2014 at 11:52

      Bruce, this is really special. I am touched by your thoughtful words! Thank you!

      Delete
  8. Jane21 March 2014 at 08:38

    You shouldn't worry, you have pulled this off perfectly, absolutely beautiful, a favorite ! Have a nice weekend.

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    Replies
    1. Celia Blanco21 March 2014 at 11:53

      Thank you for always encouraging me, Jane! You are a wonderful art friend! :-)

      Delete
  9. Sergio DS21 March 2014 at 11:14

    Love it, you´ve kidnapped the sun.

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  10. Tito21 March 2014 at 13:56

    Un lavoro magnifico Celia! Una combinazione di verdi davvero notevole e il rosso del fiore non poteva essere più bello. Complimenti!

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  11. Joan Tavolott21 March 2014 at 22:39

    Oh, Celia, I'm so glad that you left the flower in the center...rules are made to be broken and this is a perfect example. Gorgeous colors, wonderful light, and a great feeling to this! Lovely work!!!

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  12. Laura Leeder22 March 2014 at 18:21

    You've done a wonderful job Celia. I agree with Joan T above! Have a great weekend.

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  13. art by Michael Perchard22 March 2014 at 21:48

    Hello Celia!
    Large and very colorful watercolors by your rock! Beautiful!!! Bravo! Love to see more!
    Keep it up!
    Your Celia Blanco Large Watercolor Loving Art Buddy Michael

    ReplyDelete
  14. Debi Hinshaw23 March 2014 at 02:31

    Such a bright and cheery painting Celia, I love the title you chose for this one!

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  15. J. Paz23 March 2014 at 19:36

    Precioso!. La primavera en tus manos.
    Un abrazo.

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  16. Unknown24 March 2014 at 12:52

    Wow! I really love this piece! The contrast in those leaves, all the darks and lights among the green... it's breathtaking! And the contrast of hte red flower against the background is wonderful. I'm glad you decided to finish it! And the wall of sketches and studies is interesting to see, too. Thanks for sharing a bit about your process.

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  17. Wendy Barrett24 March 2014 at 13:09

    This is stunning Celia! I'm a sucker for geraniums and you have done this one proud! You've done an amazing job with the sunshine - great shadows and highlights. Wonderful colours and tones in both the flower and the leaves. I also love your preliminary painting! I hope you are enjoying the first stirrings of spring. We are still getting hot weather but there are some signs of autumn in the air.

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  18. juliefordoliver.blogspot.com25 March 2014 at 04:58

    What a beautiful painting. I love the feeling of space behind it. Hard to do with red so prominent but you managed to pull it off in great style.

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  19. Jyoti26 March 2014 at 07:07

    nice work! such a nice artist you are :) I really loved all your art works
    http://www.fineartandyou.com/

    ReplyDelete
  20. Barbra Joan27 March 2014 at 14:11

    Celia, nothing beats a large watercolor of a single flower. And this surely is gorgeous.

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  21. Watermarycolors28 March 2014 at 16:16

    Me encanta Celia, una luz espectacular, muy primaveral! :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Laura1 April 2014 at 22:27

    What a challenge it being so large. Great job and fabulous composition too.

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  23. Carmella Tuliszewski3 April 2014 at 22:52

    Beautiful work, Celia. Love the vibrant complimentary colors and used so well!

    ReplyDelete

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