“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ....Oscar Wilde

Friday 1 July 2016

Iris... PPF

There's nothing better than rising to bright sunlight and finding a beautiful surprise waiting to bring pleasure to your day. 
That is just what happened yesterday. 
This gorgeous Iris certainly brought a smile to my face, even though it was rather early in the morning and my eyes had hardly opened properly. 
The word iris stands for 'rainbow' in Greek. 
This is quite relevant to reality, since you can find irises in every colour of the rainbow... and there are over 200 iris species.
So for this weeks link to PPF how could I resist painting this beauty. 
I was stunned that the bulbs that I'd planted back in the autumn had actually survived and popped up.
I'd forgotten all about them.

I could never do such a brilliant job as Mother Nature had, but I could have fun trying.
I didn't have much spare time (what's new) so I just jumped right in. 
Initially, I used an Inktense watercolour pencil to make an outline draft.
(see I'm trying really hard to leave pencil marks out of my work) 
Then I used my Japanese watercolour paints.
Although I would have liked more time to paint, I did enjoy myself but I should have used better quality paper... it was initially only going to be a quick painting.
I always regret using the wrong paper once I start. 
Does that happen to you too?
But what's not to enjoy hiding away in the studio for a few hours. 
I'm thinking that I might like to revisit this idea again at a later date. 
Next time I'd use good quality paper or perhaps even a canvas.
 
I decided to use the blue and white liner ink pens to finish off. 
It's a little late for taking photos now, even though it stays light here at the moment until after 11pm.
The final photo doesn't really look like the original... but such is life.
I also couldn't help myself... I had to pick a wee bunch to come into the house. 
I think the iris might well be one of my favourite flowers, but then as each new plant bursts into bloom that too becomes my favourite! 
I hope you have a bloomin' great weekend. (sorry I just couldn't resist!)
Happy Paint Party Friday.

64 comments:

  1. what stunning flowers. Funny enough I once went to a gods and goddesses party as the rainbow goddess Iris!! I really like the effect you got with the pens at the end of your painting - it looks fantastic and really adds depth.

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    1. They are stunning aren't they Nic, I was thrilled that they'd survived over winter and are putting on such a beautiful display.
      I can imagine you dressed as a rainbow goddess Iris... are there any photos? ;D
      I feel that I haven't found my own style yet... I'm still playing but I do like to finish whatever I draw or paint with ink. Maybe that IS my style now I come to think about it!

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  2. Beautiful irises, in real and as painting. Happy PPF, hugs, Valerie

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    1. Thank you Valerie, I was pleased with the painting and the flowers just continue to make me smile.

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  3. Wonderful art and post! My irises started to bloom this week and I am so proud of them - planted them the first time.
    Happy PPF!
    oxo Susi

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    1. These were my first iris bulbs Susi, although I have others in the garden that I've inherited from the previous owners.

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    2. Great that you linked to AJJ ! Thank you very much for sharing it there with us for this month!
      Happy Saturday and weekend for you!

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    3. It was my pleasure. Happy PPF to you and I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

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  4. Gorgeous. Irises are one pf my favorite flowers. This piece came out beautiful. happy weekend. :) Erika

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    1. Thank you Erika, I think the iris might well be one of my favourites too, although I do love lots of other too ;D

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  5. And a "bloomin" great weekend to you, Love your fabulous painting.

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    1. Hehe... thanks EAGHL. I enjoyed painting it.

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  6. Just GORGEOUS Neesie, it would be a perfect entry to Art Journal Journey https://art-journal-journey.blogspot.ca/2016/07/072016-in-my-garden-there-is.html

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    1. Aww thanks Christine, and for the idea to link up with the Art Journal Journey. I've just added my post in the link.

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  7. WOW!!! I love Irises, although we haven't been able to grow them since we moved to SW Texas. The one you grew is gorgeous, and you did an AMAZING job paining it too. Happy PPF!

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    1. I've got two pots full of them Arnoldo. It's such a shame that they won't grow where you are, but I bet you have other amazing plants instead.
      I enjoyed painting this one because of it's colouring. I'm always blown away by just how detailed a flower can be when you really look at it, especially when drawing or painting it.

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  8. Beautiful art, beautiful flowers

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    1. Thank you Clare, I'm happy to say that I'm pleased with both.

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  9. Neesie, what a fabulous watercolor, my friend!Flowers are so inspiring!I love them!Much love!

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    1. Thank you Karla, I had fun and I actually like the end result, which is very unusual for me. I adore flowers too and always have fresh ones picked from the garden in the house.

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  10. that is gorgeous! love all the lines :)

    I hate when I use the wrong paper, or the wrong side of the paper. Especially when something looks really good, and then I have to usually start over :/

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    1. I didn't have much time to spare and I never thought it would come out looking so well, so I didn't use my stash of good paper. Never mind it just mean that I'll have to repaint it once again.
      I'm even thinking that I'd like it painted on a canvas.

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  11. Really beautiful!
    Happy weekend ☺

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    1. Thank you sirkkis, I hope you have a happy weekend too.

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  12. Your iris painting is gorgeous and I LOVE how you finished it off with white and black pens; a very cool technique. Happy PPF!

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    1. Thank you Teresa, I actually used blue pen to compliment the blue of the iris. I've always liked to outline my work in ink. I also went to a painting workshop and saw a Russian artist doing the same kind of thing. I feel it's not finished off until I add an outline.
      Happy PPF to you too

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  13. Yes, I regret bad paper...a lot.
    This turned out great, though. I love watercolors and ink. :)

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    1. Well it was only supposed to be a quick painting... maybe that's why I liked the end result. I loosened up a wee bit.
      I love watercolours and I think that the ink just adds so much to a piece of art!

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  14. Wow, I love your beautiful iris! They are such a wonderful assurance that summer is on the way. Happy PPF

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    1. Thank you Susan,
      I agree that they are really summery flowers and we have actually seen some sun lately. We just need the heavy showers in between to visit at night! Not a lot to ask surely?

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  15. such a beautiful flower and a GORGEOUS painting of it Denise! Your love for this flower shines thru. Happy PPF!

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    1. Aww thank you so much Linda, I'm really happy with it and it's even in a frame as I type... which is very unusual. It just goes to show sometimes when you rush and rattle off a painting in short time, that it can actually work for the better! I'll have to try it more often.

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  16. that cheered me up to see it soi much

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    1. I'm thrilled to hear that Alicia,
      That's what it's all about... to bring a smile to someone's face.

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  17. Big hugs to you for taking the time out of your busy life to paint your beautiful Iris - my Grandmothers name. She is long gone but I buy them from time to time as a special memory and I have one (one only!) growing in the garden which is a treasure! Thank you for brightening my day.
    Wren x

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    1. It was my treat Wren, for trying to be the 'hostess with the mostess'!
      It was lovely to hear about your Grandmother Iris and I'm so happy that I did a reasonable job of painting the flower that represents her.

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  18. Replies
    1. Aww thank you so much. It's always good to hear such positive comments about your artwork.

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  19. Beautiful! Both the flowers and your interpretation! Not sure if I double posted!

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    1. No double posting June, but I'm glad you are here because that's a lovely compliment. Thank you

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  20. Very beautiful

    Love Chrissie xx

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    1. Thank you so much Chrissie, that's very kind of you to say so.
      I was very happy with the final piece which is rather unusual for me.

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  21. Gorgeous irises, your painting is beautiful. They would be a joy to see in the garden or in a lovely setting like your.
    Yvonne

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    1. They are in two pots by my front door Meggymay, along with two other pots displaying numerous other flowers. I've also got some in my border in the garden and day lily's which haven't produced flowers yet. I'm hoping they'll surprise me one morning like the other lilies did.

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  22. Gorgeous! All the shades of blue and layered textures of your iris... just gorgeous!!

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    1. Aww thank you so much Minnemie,
      I must admit I loved the colour and that's why I just had to try to paint it. I'm happy with how its come out! Must be a first for me eh?

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  23. Stunning painting...and love the vase filled with them. I have almost the identical picture for flowers... I love it. Darkening that iris made it pop right off the page...LOVE it!! Purple and yellow is always so inspiring too!

    Hugs Giggles

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    1. Thanks so much for your kind words Giggles,
      I just had to paint those wonderful colours and I have to admit I rather like it! I know that's not like me at all.
      I've always got lots of vases dotted around the house. I particularly like this one because of it's size and it looks kind of vintage. Great taste eh?

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  24. Good Fathers Child - do you know how far I how to scroll down to leave a comment!
    Gorgeous flower and you are just the artist to paint it - wonderful work!
    sandy xx

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    1. Yay Sandy... I managed to find you all the way down here!
      One comment a few weeks ago said that they had to grab an Uber taxi to get to where she needed to leave a comment.
      I'm thrilled that so many lovely people take the time to leave a comment. You're obviously included in that statement, especially after making such an effort to find the box!
      I've received a commission for the iris which is pretty exciting!
      I'm glad you like it... I actually do too. Surprise surprise!

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  25. Hi Neesie..wowness..beautiful !! Super gorgeous art..so ethereal and powerful at the same time...gorgeous work!! Love your stunning photos too..such beauties..amazing colors too!Lovely to visit your magical world!
    Thanks for your kind visit too!
    Victoria

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    1. Hehe thank you Victoria, it's so great to get such a positive encouraging comment. You're very kind and it was lovely to have you come to visit my place.

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  26. A fab page a lovely Iris love the colours

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    1. Thanks Becky, I had fun painting this... which doesn't always happen.

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  27. Absolutely divine w/c of the gorgeous iris ~

    Happy Week to you ~ ^_^

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    1. I actually love it myself, Carol which is very unusual for me.
      I hope you have a happy week too.

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  28. This is stunning. What a beautiful piece of artwork and your irises. I see that you use my favorite watercolors. They are wonderful. My irises did not do well this year. Don't know what happened. Maybe next year I will have more blooms. genie

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    1. I love these watercolours Genie, and really enjoyed painting these iris. Unfortunately, they haven't lasted long this year possibly due to wet weather. Thankfully I have my painting now to remember them by.

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  29. Wow, this beautiful! Lovely tones, soft, strong...Great work!

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words. I really enjoyed painting this and actually like the end result... which is a major achievement for me!

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  30. Gorgeous in the garden
    AND you've captured the beauty brilliantly in your painting too!
    oxo

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    1. Wow thanks Patty, I really appreciate your kind words.
      I was happy with the result. Unfortunately, the plants have disappeared, but it's great that I have them still in this painting.
      They certainly brighten up the place.

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  31. I absolutely LOVE the gorgeous photos of your irises and the beautiful work of art you made, too. WOW! Stunning!!!!

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    1. Oh my Sharon, thank you for your praise of both my photo and painting. It's wonderful to receive such positive feedback.

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