Azaleas 2009

Azaleas 2009 Oil on Linen 20" x 30" by Noel Darvie

For the past several years I have gone to Old Westbury Gardens to paint the Azaleas. It is my favorite subject at the gardens. This year I decided to do a large painting of them. The painting was completed in four hours. This painting was also done with only primary colors. All the greens were mixed. I'm very pleased with this painting. I don't work that large on location that much anymore. I used to many years ago. There was a time when my small size canvas was a 18" x 24". However as my style evolved, I began to work smaller.

Old Westbury Gardens Spring

Old Westbury Spring-Oil on Linen 11" x 14" by Noel Darvie

I always love the return of spring. It lets me get out and recharge my batteries. With the spring flowers in bloom, I head straight for Old Westbury Gardens. What I love about the gardens is that each year the subjects change because they change the flowers from year to year. I'm always challenged with a back lit subject. I think backlighting adds drama to the subject.