Less than perfect
Posted: June 29, 2026 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: flower painting, watercolour 14 CommentsIn my studio, I still have piles of sketches (from this spring’s travels) waiting to be scanned. Here’s one from my recent workshop in Connecticut. The property of the inn where we were based has beautiful landscaping and plenty of hanging baskets and flowers in containers. But for a first day exercise we used a limited triad (Cobalt Blue, Quinacridone Rose and Hansa Yellow) and I chose a less than perfect subject for my demo. And by less than perfect, I mean I chose the only dead plant on the property to paint, much to the dismay of Pat, my organizer. The yellowing banana leaves were a great contrast in shape and colour to the blooming plants next to them but I have a feeling that by the time the next painter arrives at the inn, this pot will be relegated to the recovery garden. This was painted on a block of Millford CP paper, 10″ x 14″.
What a lovely painting. Non-painters are often mystified by our choices of “less than perfect” subjects. LOL
Jan, that is true. I think even my students in the group wondered why I picked this. But a lot of them painted it too.
I agree with Jan–what is this ‘less than perfect’ of which you speak?! I think you found a perfectly wonderful subject. And I love the limited palettes you use. Less is definitely more.
Jan, thank you!!
Absolutely adore this! It is so fresh and Real.
Barbara, thank you!!
I love it!
Thanks for having a look, Laurie!
Thats so funny. Love it!
Thanks Michele. I hope you are having a great summer!
This made me laugh out loud! But ya gotta sketch what calls to you or interests you. And your painting is fun and interesting and has a great story!
Less than perfect but so much more interesting! These imperfections as we call them make for a more thoughtful composition and colour.
Sometimes these subjects make the most interesting sketches and ‘seeing’ is what we as artists are good at isn’t it?!
It is still beautiful and real. Well done!