"Bold Sentinel"

8 x 6"

oil on linen panel (Ray Mar)

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There are several things that I love about this painting: the color combination, the strong directional lines, the depth of field, and the soft background camellia.  I worry, however, about that big, bold, dark green leaf.  Does it overpower?  It's one of those times, you just have to sit with it for a while.  It definitely makes me want to keep looking at it.

Reference photo was taken on December 27.  More camellia buds basking in the sun after that snowy day. These were also up behind the new fish pond. 

"Last Burst"

8 x 6"

oil on linen panel (Ray Mar)

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I started out painting very thinly with this one in order to get all the values down correctly.  Some places worked well thinly painted, so I left them.  Others I added progressively thick paint.  I'm very pleased with the results, but I'm glad this was a daily painting because I could see myself wanting to perfect every little detail, which may have resulted in overworked areas.

Reference photo was December 23.  Right before the big snow - thus the title.  It was windy and cold.  Not much blooming except for these hardy pansies.  I laid on the ground to take this shot.  Pansies are my father's favorite flowers.  So, here's one for you, Dad.