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Rhythm and Blues, watercolor, 21 x 15½" (53 x 39 cm)
The photo reference for Rhythm and Blues was a white dahlia. There wasn’t much in the way of color to inspire a painting, but the petal shapes were
intriguing. I chose a close-focus view to emphasize the lyrical quality of the petals. In my value sketch, the shadow areas were strengthened and
connected to help create a visual pathway through the composition. I set a challenge for myself to interpret the neutral shadows into more vibrant colors
by using an analogous complementary color scheme. Dominant cool colors were contrasted with warmer hues in the focal area of the dahlia’s center.

Master Painters of the World 91

MasterPainter-Susan Crouch.indd 91 6/22/16 11:14 AM