The carnations were last seen at this stage. The coaster, vase with stems, bows, vase-base, roses, and even the curly willow weren’t up to the level that Mr. and Mrs. Fifty Years deserve.
What’s a Central California artist to do?
Well, just keep licking the canvas, of course. (Don’t get your knickers in a twist–it is only a figure of speech.)
When an item is complicated with subtle angles that matter, I turn it upside down and copy exactly what I see. Okay, not EXACTLY, but as close as I am able on the angles and proportions that matter. The coaster beneath the vase is a real bugger-bear, to quote my friend Ft. Worth Jim. (who pronounces his name “Jee-im” as if it has 2 syllables).
(Hi Gnat!)
Where was I?
The upside down coaster, while looking at the upside down photo on the laptop screen.
There are many details to it, details that can be ignored because it is not the reason for the painting.
The roses are Very Important to the painting. Carnations have their own happy prettiness, but roses are pure elegance.
Can I be finished now?
Nope. Here is some self-talk: Study the photo of the painting, evaluate the things that matter, speculate on what could be better, touch up those little items, strengthen the contrast, soften the irrelevant parts, and don’t sign it until you have taken it to the nth degree.
Yes, I know, the painting has come a very long distance from its humble beginning of red blobs, seen here. But the fat lady has not sung. (Someone bring her another cookie, please.)