Autumn's Reward Painting

Autumn’s Reward is a reference to the beautiful flora we have flowering through our Autumn and Winter months in Cape Town, South Africa. We have a variety of proteas and pincushions found in the area which give the most beautiful colour and vibrancy. I began this painting with a pale ice blue acrylic wash, and then had some fun dribbling and washing layers of oil paint - allowing for the element of surprise. Once dry, I mapped out my magnified pincushion and begun the process of layering and building up of the work. I use a variety of painting (or palette) knives for the final stages of the piece to add to the lights and depth of the flower. This allows for some wonderful textural elements to show which is fitting for this bold textural flower.