Backyard Begonias

This painting is in oils. I use water-soluble oils for the lack of odor and ease of cleanup. It was a sunny day and I wanted to paint plein air but not travel. I set up in my backyard and did a loose sketch for the composition. I waited all day until 4 pm before the light with the strong shadow was how I wanted it. I worked on the shadow shape, subtle colors in the white cloth, reflections in the pot, and finished off with the Dianthus in the lower right corner which helped to unify the composition. I am inspired by Impressionists, especially by Russian Impressionists. This was a great way to work.