Hello and welcome to the reveal for the first Art elements theme challenge of 2020. This theme is hosted by Karen Totten and she chose Berries as this months inspiration. When Karen first posted her idea I think she had in mind plump juicy berry fruits like raspberries and strawberries but for me they scream summer and it’s been a damp and dreary January in the UK so I’ve not really been in a summer headspace. Instead I’ve taken my inspiration from the winter berrying shrubs that add a vivid pop of colour to the world as well as enticing rich and varied bird life.
My favourite of these is the Cotoneaster with it’s lovely pendulous clusters of berries so I decided to try and capture this in paint. I’ve literally just picked up my brushes again after a few months break so I’m still feeling my way back in so it’s no masterpiece, but it’s ok. I’m not great at realistic painting but I’m taking courses to improve and live in hope. I find leaves very difficult and there was little defined light to brighten this up so it’s a bit muddy but I quite like the berries. I need to get into the habit of practicing realistic painting more often.
For my second piece I went back to my safe place and created a stylised piece purely from my imagination. I lean naturally towards this more design oriented style where I don’t have to worry about the subject being recognisable… It’s a very relaxed and therapeutic way of painting and I’m much happier with this one.
If you’d like to see how other people are inspired by out berry theme please join us on our blog hop using the links below. Many thanks to Karen for hosting this theme for us
Art Elements Team
Our Guest Contributors
Good to see you’re painting again, they’re beautiful!
I love your ‘less real’ style that is more you and it shows a lightness of touch with the paint 😉
Both are really great, each in its own way. I see the 2nd one as fabric … Your shading is wonderful.
I say, go with the style that brings you joy. As for me, I have faced quite enough challenges in my life (thank you very much for the lessons)–and so on this fine St. Brigid’s day, I find myself re-birthing my own joyful expressions.
So glad you’re picking up the paint brushes again. I love both pieces, but the second stylized piece is definitely your style. I can tell just by looking at it that you were much more at ease with the paint and the stroke of the brush. Keep practicing with realism but I definitely think you have already found your own style with painting! It’s beautiful;-)
The second painting is my favorite. I think I would keep doing what I enjoy and brings peace and it is your style!
I’m a fan of realism, but I do love your more stylized designs. I think I’ve said this before, but you really have a way with color. In every media I’ve seen you use.
I love them both and I’m so happy to see you painting again. I think they both look great, but do what you love and what makes you happy.
I love your style. Realism is not necessarily better. Many artists struggle to *not* paint realistically. Capturing the essence of the subject is key, which you have accomplished.
What beautiful paintings Lesley, I really love the second one.
Your paintings are beautiful Lesley and the second one, also my favorite, feels happy.
I love your art so much, in every way…!
Both of your paintings are lovely, but yes…that second one definitely feels more free-ing and loose. It’s wonderful.