When I say that some paintings are easy, I don’t mean that there aren’t layers and layers to add, and details to fill in. They just feel easy. Each layer and detail added makes the painting better and better. And you know it, as you’re working.
But this sunflower felt like childbirth – ha ha. It was the petals! I needed to add something. I wanted the petals to pop – and I didn’t want to add ink details this time. I tried a few grey brushstrokes on each petal, but that didn’t do it. I took a huge risk and added a blue outline to the edges of the petals, all the while thinking, “I’m probably ruining it!”
I wouldn’t say the blue outline ruined it, but the petals still needed something! I added more yellow. I added more white. In the end I added ink lines to the petals. Oh well! 🙂
mycreativeresolution.com 
The center of this really draws me IN!
but it looks so amazing with the ink lines! 🙂
Ha ha, thanks! Maybe I shouldn’t have fought adding them.
It does look amazing with the ink!!
….it is a grand success in my eyes
… it just oozes ‘summer’! the hot pink against the yellows makes it happen, and I do agree with everyone that adding the ink was genius.
….I learned there is a term for that in painting, called cloisonné. It involves outlining the subject in the thinnest of lines, from the french word meaning to enclose, or compartmentalize. It is classically done with Asian jewelry and baked enamel, using copper to outline petals of flowers. Applying it to painting, here is an interesting blog about the technique….
http://karensiosonwatercolors.blogspot.ca/2010/06/cloissone-beginning.html
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your comments and can’t wait to check out the link! 🙂