Art : Reflections

I’ve been trying to paint using a limited palette. This is my second painting in the limited palette series. I call it ‘Reflections’. The painting is based on a photograph.

I wasn’t sure if I got the waterlilies right, so, I shared it on Facebook. People commented on the reflections and said they liked it. That gave me the confidence to share my artwork here.

Seeing this painting, someone I have great regard for, said, my paintings are like the Impressionists. Obviously, I was delighted to know my artwork could be identified with some school of painting. I had not given it much thought before and simply painted any picture that caught my fancy. It made me relook at my paintings and I realized the analysis was right. I tend to lean towards Impressionistic artwork. To better understand what i am doing, I have been reading about Impressionism. For those who do not have a clue about Impressionism, and are wondering what I’m talking about, here’s a short explanation from Sothebys website, that will help you understand.

Impressionism describes a style of painting developed in France during the mid-to-late 19th century; characterizations of the style include small, visible brushstrokes that offer the bare impression of form, unblended color and an emphasis on the accurate depiction of natural light.

Here are some paintings that use the Impressionistic style

One of the characteristics of Impressionistic paintings is that they are done outdoors. I haven’t done that until now. I have a long way to go in mastering the skill. That said, here’s my painting.

This painting has been done on 12″ X 16″ acrylic paper using Camel acrylic paints (they’re pretty economical in India).

Here’s a zoomed in picture of the painting

I’m enjoying painting with acrylics as it allows me to complete a painting in a few hours. Furthermore, it’s more forgiving than watercolors and does not take forever to dry, unlike oil paints. If you paint, which medium do you like using? And do let me know what you think of the painting.

Copyright@smithavishwanathsblog.com. All Rights Reserved.

19 responses to “Art : Reflections”

  1. robbiesinspiration Avatar

    Hi Smitha, a lovely painting. I hadn’t thought about it, but I do like the Impressionists paintings which is probably why I am drawn to your work. I am starting work on making sunflowers from fondant for a cake replica of Van Gogh’s Field of Sunflowers for Terence’s birthday in May. Each flower takes about 6 hours to make.

    1. Smitha V Avatar

      Hi Robbie, how interesting that you hadn’t thought about it, like me. I’m going to count it as another thing we have in common. I truly thought I was the only one. It is amazing that we were drawn to it without thinking of it.
      The idea of Van Gogh’s sunflowers sounds wonderful, romantic, and a seriously time-consuming affair. How many flowers are you making? You said, ‘Field’. All the best to you❤️.

      1. robbiesinspiration Avatar

        I did say Field and I am making 6 large sunflowers which are very time consuming (about 6 hours each) and then 20 smaller sunflowers in two sizes which are less work, another few hours. Then there are the cakes to bake, including a small hill in the background and the leaves and stalks to create. It is a fair amount of work but I enjoy it as you enjoy your painting.

        1. Smitha V Avatar

          It sounds beautiful, Robbie. I am looking forward to seeing your creation, and hopefully, one day, I can get a bite of one of your cakes😊.

          1. robbiesinspiration Avatar

            The world is a small place, Smitha, so its not that impossible.

  2. jonicaggiano Avatar

    I think your painting is lovely. Water lilies are one of my favorite flowers in ponds in the south.

    1. Smitha V Avatar

      Thank you very much, Joni. Water lilies are beautiful. I’ve always been fascinated by them and have wanted to paint them, but I have never been sure how to go about it. I still feel the need to improve, but this helped me get over my fear of even attempting it 🙂.

  3. rajkkhoja Avatar
    rajkkhoja

    Wonderful painting. Good job.

    1. Smitha V Avatar

      Thank you very much🙏

      1. rajkkhoja Avatar
        rajkkhoja

        You are most welcome! 🤗

  4. Mick Canning Avatar

    Definitely impressionistic, Smitha. It looks great!

  5. boundlessblessingsblog Avatar

    Superb and fantastic drawings, Smitha. Loved all the paintings. Too good.

  6. Toonsarah Avatar

    Yes, I can see the Impressionistic influences in your style. I really like how you ‘suggest’ or hint at things that are in the scene rather than present them in detail.

  7. VJ Avatar

    This is gorgeous. I am about to venture into the world of acrylics. Your painting is inspiration to spur me on.

  8. Darlene Avatar

    Well done. I think you enjoyed painting this scene.

  9. sienablue Avatar

    It’s lovely! The scene reminds me of a lake in upstate NY. I struggle with acrylics because they dry so fast and it is hard to blend things if you dont get it done on the first pass. Watercolor is my first love, after that I have had good results with gouache. I would like to work with oils in the spring, when I can open the windows while the paint dries.

    1. Smitha V Avatar

      Hi Jo. Yes, I’ve heard a number of people say that about acrylics- that they don’t like it because it dries up quickly. I like it because it allows fixes, unlike watercolors, and does not take forever to dry like oil. Also, the smell of spirit and turpentine used for oil gives me a headache.
      I understand why watercolor is your first love- if you get it right, watercolors produce the best effect with minimum fuss.
      I’ll look forward to seeing your oil painting.

      1. sienablue Avatar

        Thanks Smitha. I haven’t given up on acrylic yet….

        1. Smitha V Avatar

          I’m sure you’ll love it.

Leave a Reply to ToonsarahCancel reply

Blog at WordPress.com.

Discover more from Eúnoia

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading