| As an artist, I am
always looking for color combinations that are exciting. Nature continually
inspires me. I am enchanted by the wonderful ways colors merge
into each other or contrast one another. Spring sunrises and sunsets glow
with gold and red and purple in hauntingly soft mists or starkly etched
brilliance. Autumn leaves burnish the hillsides with tones of bronze, yellow
and orange, as well as reds and deep purples and more. Bright blue
summer skies with billowing vivid white clouds never fail to delight me.
When the deep snows of winter blanket the whole world under sparkling pure
white, I gaze with awe. Do you see where I am going with this? My
favorite color combination is red, white, and blue.
"I am glad the founding fathers
picked red, white and blue!"
The makers of the American flag must have shared
this same feeling. Of course, we know the story of the thirteen stripes
in alternating red and white, and the field of blue with a circle of thirteen
white stars. I am glad the founding fathers picked red, white
and blue! Since September 11th, The patriotic displays of our nation's
flag have manifested in traditional as well as uniquely original ways.
Rural mailboxes proudly show off stars and stripes, American flags
ride atop trucks, vans, cars, bicycles and skateboards. In the harbor
of Trinidad, California, there are three small boats lined up in order
of red, white and blue. A great subject to paint, that I might have
set up myself! I recently purchased some strands of lights to use
to decorate for Independence Day. (What colors? Of course,
red, white and blue.) |
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I am delighted that
these colors repeat so frequently in nature. Almost by accident,
this year in my garden, a red rose is blooming alongside a white
dahlia, with lacy blue larkspur weaving intimately between. In concrete
bowls, I have planted petunias in those three colors. For the
4th of July, I will place small flags in the bowls. As I look around
my garden, I am inspired by the different flowers that carry the theme.
I have a white hydrangea and one that is blue. Besides the
roses, there are different shades of red in the geraniums, dahlias and
sweet williamses. Tall blue bachelor buttons are nodding amidst graceful
double red poppies. I have a wealth of subjects to paint in this
special combination.
"I have a wealth of subjects
to paint in this special combination."
For some time now, I have painted kite flying
scenes and lighthouses that include the flag. My desire is to do
a painting with the flag as the main subject. On my research trips,
I have photographed the flag whenever and where-ever I saw it. There
are at least 225 photos of Old Glory in my files. Not merely because
the flag is so prevelant now, but because I have always been patriotic
and in awe of the United States of America, her freedom and opportunities,
do I consider painting the banner of our country. In my mind, and
in sketches, I am planning the composition even now. So watch for
a new print this year that honors the flag which we salute and revere.
Hurrah! for the red, white and blue.
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