Starting a Painting: Lenten Rose, Christmas Rose

I’ve gathered up a small bunch of hellebores:  a winter blooming plant with thick leaves and petals which aphids have been descending on.  I’ve begun a 12”x16” oil painting of the bouquet using a different set of colors on my palette following a listing shown in Richard Schmid’s “Alla Prima II” the expanded version.  Here is a photo of the bouquet, not quite the one I’m using to paint from, but the flowers may be seen.  The backs of the leaves are covered with aphids...need to fix that.

Once the painting is further along it will be shared.

I have planted a few more hellebores from Annie's Annuals and Perennials to expand my collection. This is wonderful nursery in Richmond, CA.  They pack and ship their plants, so you may order online and be assured the plants are very well packed and just as lovely as those found at the nursery.  Before discovering the nursery was an hour a ay, I ordered several plants, and could compare with those I bought at the nursery.  A visit to the nursery is a must for plant lovers though, so many plants, so little time.

Happy painting!