Dahlia Mania!

 The Dahlias just keep on blooming and I keep on painting. This is the second large one painted on 200 pound watercolor paper.  These heavy papers respond differently from the 140 pound paper I normally use.  They are all good.

There are many varieties of dahlias that just ask to be painted.  This one is called "Catsup and Mustard."  Which I call "The Condiments!"

 I will be teaching a watercolor class on painting dahlias next week so I have been experimenting with different techniques on postcard size paper.  Good practice!

Calling the Dahlia Painting Finished!

Dahlia blossoms are so beautifully complex.  It was one of my biggest watercolor challenges yet to capture their delicate texture of layered petals. I have many more blossoms coming on in my garden, that should keep coming until frost, so there is plenty of time to continue painting them. This is a lesson in persistence!

Persistence and resilience only come from having been given the chance to work though difficult problems.

Gever Tulley

I did try painting them a couple of years ago. After completing this painting, I got those older ones out and reworked them.