Anatomy of a Tulip...Painting

A client recently contacted me concerning a commission.  She had a brochure from a show I did several years ago and was at a place to commission three tulips for her home.  Although I've done these same Parrots before, these new works would be of a different size.  When I photograph my subjects, I may have photographs of the same subject that will be similar but slightly different.  For example, I took multiple shots of these same tulips from different angles, different times of the day, and over a period of a couple of days.  This allows me to complete more than one work from a single subject.

My client was very interested in the process of how I achieve my final results so I thought I'd take this time to show you pics of these works in progress.

First and foremost, I start with the sketch.  Since my work is scientifically correct, this is probably the most important step.  Once I have the sketch that I like, I proceed to laying down color.  Since I work transparently with gouache, the colors that are first laid down will dictate what direction the colors laid over will be.  In other words, with these three tulips, the reds have yellow undertones so Cadmium Yellow Pale is the first color.

 

There are several steps to this stage.  The first pic above shows the Rococo with a light wash of the yellow.  The Flaming Parrot and Orange Parrot below show a strengthening of the yellow stage with more layers of the same yellow and adding Permanent Yellow Deep and Cadmium Orange.

Once I have the yellows laid down, I start to add the Spectrum Red and Permanent Green Deep.

There are many stages at this step to slowly deepen the colors to where I want them to be.  Finally once I have the colors to where I'm happy with them, I start to deepen and shade the colors to give them that photorealistic quality my work is known for.

 

Rococo.  22" x 26".

 

Flaming Parrot.  22" x 26"

 

Orange Parrot.  22" x 26".

Each painting takes many painstaking days to complete, but I wouldn't be happy with anything less.

These three works are being mounted in one of my favorite frames, an exquisite Louis 12K white gold hand finished moulding.

I'm extremely pleased with the outcome and hope I've given you a slightly better idea of my process.

If you would like to speak with me about commissioning a work or art or concerning an available work from my website, please do so at contact@johnmatthewmoore.com. 

 

 

Mirror, mirror on the wall...

A common problem for homeowners and designers alike can be finding that right mirror for their space.  There are many wonderful antique mirrors to choose from but sometimes your needs are a bit more specific.  You may need a certain size or possibly a particular style and you just can't find it.  This is where having a custom mirror made works beautifully.

A few months ago I was visiting with a client showing her samples of frame styles I'd designed and one in particular caught her eye.  She asked if it could also be used as a mirror.  She needed a mirror for her guest room and felt the sample I showed her would be perfect.  After weeks of detailed drawings and many hours of hand cutting and painting decorative carvings, she now has her mirror.

This moulding is based on an 18th. century Italian table.  I took the same decorative elements and finish to produce this profile.  Many different looks can be achieved from this one sample simply by changing the colors or elements.

A corner detail.

 

The mirror hangs over a Swedish style chest in the same creamy finish and ties in the greens of my orchid paintings from around the room.

 

When looking for a mirror for my own entrance hall, I wanted one with lots of impact.  Instead of an antique, I opted to design one myself.  It is a typical Dutch style moulding with a custom painted panel and 12K white gold trim.

 

As you can see, I have a mixture of traditional and modern elements in the hall so I wanted the mirror to bridge both styles.  I hand stenciled the walls with an oversized geometric pattern in a pearl glaze over Farrow and Ball's Hardwick White.

 

A close up of the painted and gilt finish.

 

Another frame I designed is based on an antique French chest has a wonderful grey painted finish with 23K gold carvings.

 

You can custom this finish in so many ways simply by changing the color.

 

Other samples below show just a few of the many styles to choose from.

 

A Dutch moulding with custom painted panel and 23K ripples.

 

A 23K Louis 16th 5" moulding.

 

An antiqued 12K white gold Italian style example.

 

A 23K Art Deco Step.

 

And finally three more profiles from my exclusive collection.

 

I love the look of decorative mouldings simply painted as in the example below.  It is such a fresh take on a traditional style.

 

 

A crusty, crackled ivory painted finish with 23K inner cove.

 

 

And finally a profile of acanthus leaves in my signature French Ivory finish with layers of umbers and creamy greys.

 

And remember, the mirror itself can be left clean or antiqued depending on your needs or where it will hang.

So if you are looking for that perfect mirror, please feel free to contact me at contact@johnmatthewmoore.com.