The flowers above are Obake Anthurium. In the Japanese language, the word Obake means "something changes"; it can also be translated as "ghost". The lyrical quality of these flowers energizes me and I am frequently drawn to paint them.

the painting begins

I began a painting of these anthurium on May 17th and have been working on it ever since.

This painting began with me first twirling the vase of flowers around and around, and then drawing the shapes that caught my eye and looked the most exciting.   

 

 

 

It's great to take photos of paintings in process. It reminds us that paintings, like everything else, evolve in their own way and in their own time.

 

 

It's rare for an artist to know exactly what their painting will look like when they begin to paint.  

 

Thank goodness! Imagine how boring would it be if we always knew what to expect (in life or in paintings)! The energy, the "juice"
is in the creation process itself.   

"Spirited Ghosts" original watercolor © Patrice Federspiel

"Spirited Ghosts" moves with the energy and grace found in the flowers of the islands. She will enliven any room in which she hangs. 

This original painting goes to the photographer tomorrow. If she speaks to you, please contact me now. She is for sale, $3,000 unframed or $3,600 framed in solid koa (the hard wood grown in Hawai`i). 

A matted giclée print of "Spirited Ghosts" (fits in a 16x20 frame)
is yours for $60.   

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