Monday, September 21, 2009

Tomatillos


Oh, the irony of spending five hours last night (man, am I tired today!) to try to make something look like it was freshly dashed off in ten minutes! Aaaarrggghhhh. The more I learn about painting (and I'm watching DVDs and reading books like a fiend), the less I know. I'm at a very high frustration level. On a positive note, I think this turned out well.



Our first cold fall day. Fashionable kitties this season are wearing striped, color-coordinated mufflers of soft, natural, cruelty-free fur.



More art on my website: jalapfaff.com

15 comments:

Pam Holnback said...

I agree w/ you. This did turn out well!

Ann Reyes said...

Jala, I love your tomatillos! Yes, they do look fresh and beautiful.

And, Lynx is precious, as usual!!!

Anonymous said...

definately turned out well Jala, your colours just sit so well together. and understnading painting.... i know your frustration all too well. r.

suzanneberry said...

well whatever you're doing to create a painting like is this, it's worth it!! it's old world masterful, alive and spontaneous! bravo!

Laurel Daniel said...

Love this - great color, great light and shadows.... mmmm mmmm.

Anonymous said...

love the choice of colours Jala, as always they are so distinct, part of your style and always work so well. are these related to tomatoes? I initially thought they were a form of hazelnut or a gooseberry. and as you are an expert on orchids: how do you keep them flowering? r.

Karen said...

Jala you make me laugh the way you describe your frustration level, which we can all relate to, and then simply say that, yes, it turned out well. And it did. This is a really really beautiful piece.
What book/dvd has been most helpful to you lately?

Anonymous said...

Looks like some of that DVD penetrated very well.
Although your work always looks this good.
So what if we leave the house after 5 hours of hair and makeup to achieve that natural look.
Some days, that's just the way it is.
The point is, you did it.
We can't all be natural beauties like Lynx.

Yellow said...

Don't feel frustrated. You can see the effort, but it doesn't look over-worked or strained. Whatever you're reading & watching, it's working.

Sandra Galda said...

Jala! This is beautiful! Well done!

Jala Pfaff said...

Pam - Thank you!

Ann, I and Lynx both thank you.

Hi Rahina, thank you! Tomatillos are related to tomatoes. They're less juicy and more tart, great for salsa raw, or when cooked, for Mexican enchilada-type sauces. Orchids: it totally depends on the type of orchid. All orchids need rest (non-flowering) periods, though. You can send me the info on the tag of your orchid or a pic of your orchid, and I can help you more. :)

Suzanne - Wow, great compliment, thanks!

Laurel - Thanks. I was definitely trying for the classic light-and-shadow approach.

Karen - Thank you. And I'm glad I made you laugh. :D I think the most helpful info lately has been the two Quang Ho DVDs I ordered, plus in general Richard Schmid, David Leffel, and Sherrie McGraw stuff.

Bonnie - Thank you! Yeah, the amazing Lynx even looks beautiful when he first wakes up!!

Yellow - Thank you! and thanks for your visit.

Thank you, Sandra!

loriann signori said...

More of that Sargent like beautiful surface. mmmmmmm, you're right, you nailed this one. Beautiful

Anita Stoll said...

Don't let your frustration get you down. Trush your gut level instincts, most of the time it works. Gorgeous work.

Casey Klahn said...

Very fine:
Value work,
Drama,
Subtle colors (with very effective high greens - awesome)
Modeling
Technique

I could go on. You are doing great, Jala.

belindadelpesco.com said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous. Petite and powerful. Your brushwork looks so spontaneous, despite your description of the time it took to get there. Well worth the effort. It's lovely.