Plumeria Watercolor

Plumeria

After finishing a pencil layout for a plumeria watercolor of 7 blossoms I am now able to begin painting the first red bloom. Painting this subject is therapeutic for my soul. I almost feel the soft smooth petals with their bends and curls as I imagine the intensely bright colors and intense perfume. Can’t say that I miss the sticky fingers from the sap. But, their heady perfume was always the most welcoming part of getting off the plane whenever I went back home. Isn’t it funny what things you miss the most about childhood memories?

The smell and feel of a bag of plumerias.

The Colors In Red?

Here is the red plumeria paint up-close as it dries. I love the way watercolor does half the work for me by moving of its own accord wherever there is water to blend with the other colors. It lets me add drops of bright magenta or yellow that completely change it. I add light washes of darker shadow details after the wet parts dry. I re-wet the dark shadow areas putting a dark line “cast-shadow” where the petal curves up toward itself. To feather the inside edge of this cast shadow I carefully add a little more water for the paint to fade into.

Making the Center Hole

Re-wetting the center, I put a thick small drop of blue and Paynes gray. A little dark dab expands perfectly making the hole in the center and, showing where you thread the lei needle through coming out the back stem ready to thread the next flower on.

red, white & yellow plumeria The next blossom starts out as a white with yellow center plumeria that is partially covered by other flower petals on both sides.

four plumeria colors

four plumerias up close The first four plumerias are painted on the top in a variety of colors. You can see that the top right blossom has changed to become a light pink & yellow and the blossom directly below it is now white & yellow instead. A closer shot shows how I can go darker pretty easily, but not lighter.

peach, white & yellow, red, pink plumeria yellow & white plumeria Another white & yellow center on the left side is followed by another dark red on the right. Here is a closeup to see how the watercolors are working, specifically where the hole in the middle bleeds so wonderfully. Now, the next trick is to decide what colors go where for the last three flowers. Decisions, decisions, decisions.

Backgrounds

I am happy with the random placement of color for now but how about the background?

water background plumerias I thought of another custom that used to be practiced by us, it was to put a lei in the surf when someone you love goes away or passes away. The flowers float on the water for quite a while. You can sit on the sand and think for quite a while. I decided to paint water for these plumerias to float on. You can see how I use lots of water to drop different colors into. Fun!

plumerias final details The last decision is to make the last central bloom a light pink up front and center. Our pink tree had a very sweet perfume. It took an hour or so to put light and dark shadows to help show shape with light and shadow.

Watercolor Finished

It is all pau! I am sending it to a friend I have known since 4th grade in Kahaluu, who used to make lei’s and ride the school bus among other things with me.

Betsy, Mele Kalikimaka!

Bring the Plumeria to Life

Come to Life

Bring the plumeria to life. After getting the plumeria’s color and shapes defined it becomes obvious that the white background is not going to work. The flowers are fading off into their background. I don’t want a completely solid background to the edges so I experiment as I go, applying very light washes of Sap Green first then Veridian or Thalo Green in spots.

Add various size drops of Hookers Green to keep it interesting, aiming for the shadow behind the flower.

As more area is filled with the greens in the background the petals of the plumeria begin to stand out and shine.

Now I begin adding some Royal Blue shadows along with Ultramarine Blue, and purples. Some depth is showing where one blossom overlaps another. These transparent washes really bring out real-looking shadows.

Note the difference when a shadow is added, where the red blossom overlaps the pink/orange blossom behind and where the white petal overlaps also.

Darkening places in the surroundings at the petal edges accentuate the depth of the background.

Done, it is confusing which way it should be hung, so I am happy that I don’t have to decide. Flattening the paper out overnight by wetting it on the backside and laying face down with a heavy board overnight and allowing it to dry. Then packing to send off in the mail. Hoping that it arrives on time for Jeanie Hollands Birthday! Love You, Jeannie!

More posts like this are under the “Watercolor” category.

Tracing Lost Art

Tracing Lost Art. In October 2007 these paintings were donated to “Holy Family Hospital” and placed in their Shamrock Gala auction, “Don’t Rush a Good Thing I304”, “Seven Horse Spirits K404”, and “Koolau’s Haiku K504”.

The mystery of where the 3 missing paintings ended up afterward begins after they are placed in Holy Family Hospital’s initial “Shamrock Gala” fundraiser auction. The event was held at the Davenport Hotel in Spokane WA in March of 2008. A beautiful affair that I was graciously given a ticket to attend. Tuxedos and formal dinner attire were required for a sit-down meal with table centerpieces that had tree branches painted gold, foliage, and tubular lights intertwined. I have a souvenir wine glass from the event pictured below, “Latah Creek” and “Shamrock Gala” on it. Here is a link to more information about the event that was rec’d later.

Two paintings, “Don’t Rush a Good Thing I304 and Seven Horse Spirits K404” were not sold at the auction and I don’t know what became of them. Contacting the hospital to request information about their outcomes has not been successful in locating them so far.

One of the paintings did find a home, “Koolau’s Haiku K504” was purchased during the course of this auction by a sweet couple who I was able to meet afterward. I recall that they live somewhere here in Spokane WA but I regret that I never did think to get their names or contact information when I was introduced to them.

I would like to be able to locate these missing children (lost oil paintings) from the beginning time period of my oil rub-outs career so I can complete the information for my records. I wouldn’t mind seeing them again also. Please feel free to contact me with any suggestions you may have to help locate them.