Ferdinand’s Flowers
Being a contemporary Sedona artist, this was an actual departure from my traditional southwest Sedona landscape paintings. I created this original whimsical watercolor of Ferdinand’s Flowers after I painted Patriotic Longhorns. My sweetheart saw this landscape wall art, which I had hanging in one of the galleries I exhibited. Seeing this canvas print years ago, I said I should name it “Ferdinand’s Flowers,” so I did. The Story of Ferdinand (1936) is the best-known work written by American author Munro Leaf. Delight in this image of a gentle bull named Ferdinand, with its unique flowers & Love. Ferdinand is the world’s most peaceful and beloved little bull.
Discover The Story of Ferdinand
Delight in this true classic with a timeless message has enchanted readers since it was first published. Until the day, a bumblebee and some men from the Madrid bullfights give gentle Ferdinand a chance to be the most ferocious star. All the other bulls would run and jump and butt their heads together. But Ferdinand would not have any part of it. However, he turned them down. Not wanting to fight, being the gentle bull that he is.
Background Technique
Look closely, and you can see my technique while painting this southwest landscape wall art. The first thing I do is to mask everything that isn’t the steer’s skull and horns. Masking Fluid prevents the paper from absorbing color to remain white. I achieved the background look, known as a wash, using red, orange, and burnt sienna on the wet paper. When the paint dries, I use a rubber cement pickup to remove the mask. This technique was used for Drums & Mocassins, Mondays, Taos Pueblo, and San Ysidro, to name a few.
Contemporary Southwest Sedona Landscape Paintings