TM9202 Full Blossom 24×30 oil on panel

Camellias blossoms are so fragrant and delicate, yet their shrubby growth is certainly sturdy. I tried to portray both qualities in this painting. When I first started the painting and was delineating some of the leaves, I was reminded of working on woodcuts. The vigorous yet simple shapes and necessary attention to the “space between” the leaves felt like I was cutting a reduction wood block. Only after I started re-rolling areas and layering in more leaves and branches did the image begin to achieve some fullness. The lush blossoms are the focus of the painting, but the stems and branches support the composition, as well as adding a note of contrasting color. Details below. Enjoy.

TM9202 Full Blossom – close-up

TM9202 Full Blossom – detail from upper right