DAY 16: ROSES, A LA SHABBY CHIC

We’re on to Day 16 in the Painting Challenge and I hope you were able to feel the comfort and joy of your happy place with yesterday’s challenge.

Today’s challenge is softer and gentler. There’s an ease to it. To me, these roses, painted in a vintage shabby chic sort of way, take me back to the street painters at Sacré-Cœur in Paris, France. That’s where I bought my first original painting as an 18-year-old traveling with my parents. My collection has grown over many travels and art shows since then. Art carries more than just the paint, it carries memories and evokes emotions. Sometimes of a relationship, sometimes of a lost time.

Long ago sold, this darling little painting of roses on a table is so sweet, and I hope it brings you many happy feelings.

The Painting Practice

Remember to turn off your phone notifications before you start.

  1. Sketch a rectangle measuring 8×10 or 4×5 inches on your paper as the outline for your painting.
  2. While looking at your reference photo as your inspiration, do a simple outline of the subject on your paper. Just a rough sketch will do.
  3. Choose your colors, they can be whatever colors you’d like. They can be much bolder than these – I was going for a romantic shabby chic style – or why not try these lovely soft colors and see how they make you feel?
  4. Grab some water and your brushes, and don’t forget a towel to clean off your wet brush. Paint a thin background, then fill all your flowers with the darkest color, then go back over them and with broad strokes add the petals.
  5. Now, set a gentle timer and paint for 20 minutes for some meditative joy and playful painting.
  6. I can’t wait to see how you sign this piece.

SHARE YOUR CREATION:

Take a photo of today’s painting and share it with your community. I’d love to celebrate your progress with you.

As you share, I’d love to hear:

  • How did today’s softer painting style make you feel?
  • Did these vintage roses bring up a memory of a time or place you love?
  • What colors did you choose, and why?

If you feel inspired to continue painting beyond 20 minutes, please do. I’d love to hear about that, too.