Sue Flanagan’s Website

Last month I was commissioned to do a pastel painting. It was to be a 16 x 20 in. field of flowers. The flowers were to be primarily yellow. Providentially, there was a nearby field of wild flowers in bloom at the time. So, I took pictures of the field and similar pictures at the Morton Arboretum. I have painted in both of these locations before. From these photos, I did a preliminary 11 x 14 in. color study since I knew that color was a very important element to the client. From the client’s feedback, I learned that she did not want cool colors of pink or purple and that I had too much green, especially cool greens. The client wanted a very warm painting.

I planned another larger quick sketch for myself using rye grass and Queen Ann’s Lace with yellow cone flowers and yellow showy Black Eyed Susans. I have photographed the process. I taped a white sanded paper on foam core. Here is the underpainting of pastel that was then painted with Gamsol odorless mineral spirits. Click on the image to enlargen.

I was pleased with the underpainting because it had the golden look that the client wanted. So, I wanted it to show through as I layered pastel on top of it. I then started working on background flowers that were in the distance and then those that would be underneath the main flowers.

I wanted the yellow cone flowers to the right to be the closest and the focal point. The color in these phots is more green which is a product of my limited photography skills and lack of consistency in photographing the steps.

At this point I had to look at the painting over several days. I decided that I had to add more white flowers (daisies) because the Queen Ann’s Lace was not enough to break up the mass of yellow. Here is the final picture of the painting.

There is always apprehension when a commission is completed. Is this what the client wanted? Did I understand her vision? This is what she wrote, “Words can not express my appreciation for the beautiful painting you created for me. You were able to conceptualize and create my vision and put it to canvas. The vibrant colors along with the beautiful creation of flowers is breathtaking. It will be a wonderful addition to our home. My sincere thanks. Carol”

Here are a few of my recent plein air paintings. The weather in the midwest United States has been wonderful this summer! It has been around 80 degrees, partly cloudy and with light breezes. For me this is the perfect weather to paint outdoors or “en plein air.” I have minimized my equipment so that I can carry everything without the need of my luggage carrier. I even managed to finish a painting that I started last summer at the Felt Mansion in Michigan.

I also just finished a small preliminary painting for a commission. Once the client approves this, I will paint the final painting which will be a 16 x 20 in. pastel. I won a 2nd place ribbon at the LaGrange Art League and next month I will be in the Alliance of Fine Art, Best of the Best show.

Enjoy your summer,
Sue