Monday, January 14, 2013

30 in 30, #12 – Prince Eugène

Prince Eugène, 6"x6", oil on panel
Let me introduce you to my all-time favorite rose. This is Eugène de Beauharnais, an old China/Bourbon rose, bred in France in 1838, and named for Prince Eugène de Beauharnais, son of Josephine and stepson of Emperor Napoleon. It is fairly small, grows in a large pot, and has deep red-magenta blooms with the most incredible fragrance. The blooms don't last when cut, darn, but it blooms most of the year and there is almost always a bloom for me to admire and smell when I walk by. I don't know why it is not more widely grown, especially here in a mild climate where it fits so well into our smaller yards and patios.

I've never attempted to paint Eugène, but since this is my challenge month, I thought I'd try. This particular bloom had three centers, with hundreds (maybe) of petals. Way too much to put on a small painting, but I think I got the gist of it. 

Here's my reference photo, and a couple of progress shots. I really enjoy seeing other artists' process, so have been trying to include a few shots of mine.


Eugène de Beauharnais, China/Bourbon, 1838

sketch and blocking in darks


main shapes; trying to get the values clear while not losing the hues. 
Or getting the hues while not losing the values?
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6 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 14, 2013 at 7:57 AM

    Stunning!!

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    Replies
    1. Cindy GreeneJanuary 14, 2013 at 1:17 PM

      Thank you! Can't wait to hear about your drawing!

      Delete
  2. UnknownJanuary 14, 2013 at 8:26 AM

    Nice. I like the painting steps posted also. Great to paint in this painting challenge.

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    Replies
    1. Cindy GreeneJanuary 14, 2013 at 1:48 PM

      Thanks, Susan! Funny how our two roses are side-by-side on Leslie's page. I'm glad you like the step photos; I was hoping someone finds them interesting or useful.

      Delete
  3. Marilyn R MillerJanuary 14, 2013 at 3:38 PM

    Cindy, Thank you for your note on my painting! One of my favorite parts of all of this is getting acquainted with other artists new to me!
    I am most interested in your rose. I think I could not possibly grow it here, unless it would do well indoors. But I am always looking for more antique type roses. Any suggestions as to where to look for it?

    I always like progress photos. I would also like to see you paint it more times....

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    Replies
    1. Cindy GreeneJanuary 14, 2013 at 11:00 PM

      Hi Marilyn, There is a wonderful site for roses called HelpMeFind. Here is the link for this rose: http://www.helpmefind.com/rose/l.php?l=2.2663&tab=1

      There's a tab at the top that says "Buy From" and it lists a couple of nurseries who sell it. I can't remember where I bought it (many years ago), but I think it was an own-root that I bought on-line.

      I don't know of any roses that grow well indoors, but the USDA zone will be on the HelpMeFind listing.

      Thanks again - I may just paint this one again, now that the scary first time is over.

      Delete

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