This new painting, Flowers for Saskia, came about because of the luscious red garment and hat in this Rembrandt painting of his wife, Saskia (seen in the background). Some months ago, I stumbled upon this painting, heretofore, unknown to me. My immediate thought was to do a copy of this splendid image and hang it in my studio to gaze upon every day. As time went by a more complex idea simmered while the thought of employing the “painting in a painting” concept was planned. The Rembrandt image would be incorporated into my design as the background of my still life set up.
The entire color theme is a simple complementary, red and green. For the most part, grayed greens are abundant and range from yellowish to bluish with none too bright or overpowering, thus, they remain an excellent counterpoint to the reds. The idea was to let the red in the garment be the focus, though it is in the background. Both warm and cool reds are scattered throughout the composition, and by keeping the intensity low, the harmonious motif was maintained. The white dogwood bouquet is a perfect foil for all the surrounding hues.
Maybe I will paint the Saskia painting on a large canvas someday so that I can enjoy it all over again, not only the looking but the painting of it also.
Dear Margi,
as always your work is a feast for the heart. Every one is indescribably beautiful. You have such passion and it is so evident in your paintings. Every one I’ve seen is a classic, and could hang in the most famous museum, or the most famous household. Such a joy to look at. Hugz, Jo Powell