If a Face Could Launch a Thousand Ships...

Untitled
14 x 14, Oil on Linen
(c) Lesley Powell 2019
(Available)

If a face could launch a thousand ships, then can a flower launch a thousand paintings? (You may know that the face referred to here is Helen of Troy. In ancient Greek mythology, Helen was so beautiful that when she was kidnapped, a fleet of a thousand ships was launched into battle to seek her return. Thus began the Trojan Wars...).

Untitled
20 x 16, Oil on Panel
(c) Lesley Powell 2019
(available)

I suppose that a flower can never be as beautiful as a person, but lately I have been captivated by the beauty of the hydrangea. Each stem is capped with a big, fluffy assemblage of tiny flowerettes. I personally love the white

ones--and you know how much I enjoy painting white things! The whites respond to the colors of their surroundings, and it is a fun challenge to capture the subtle color differences.

Unittled
16 x 12, Oil on Linen
(c) Lesley Powell 2019
(Available)

These are so fresh off the easel that I haven't even had time to give them titles yet. Any suggestions are welcome!

Untitled
16 x 12, Oil on Linen
(c) Lesley Powell 2019
(Available)

The hydrangea flowers in late spring and summer. As we endure the Polar Vortex here on the East Coast, it's fun to look at the hydrangeas, and consider the promise of summer. Enjoy!