Poppies (04/2012), R.Herman

Oil on linen canvas, 50cm x 50cm

This still life study was created using the old faithful, oil paints partnered with a new friend, the linen canvas. As it was a commission, I was initially going to base the piece on your run-of-the-mill google image of some poppies, however, I thought no, I am going to force myself to work from life. And I am so pleased I did, as I was able to get a proper feel for how the light – if a bit dingy – effected the overall appearance of the petals, creating a rather wonderful array of colours and shadows.

The composition is a bit of a Georgia O’Keefe rip off, mind – although minus the connotations with female genitalia… I don’t think my friend would be too pleased with that.