Channeling Orange

Dutch Orange

Okay, I just know that some Dutch purist is going to tell me that the orange I chose is the wrong orange. I do apologize if that’s the case and claim artistic freedom.

But let’s start at the beginning.

Do you ever not know what to bring as a gift when you’re visiting somebody? That was me yesterday. At around 11 AM, I knew. It had to be a painting, and its base color had to be orange. I had to make it as orange as possible, while still adding other colors or little highlights.

I also wanted to use structure paste. Don’t ask me why, but that was a given. Was I out of structure paste? Of course I was. Did I know where I could get some? Also yes, but I didn’t’ have time to go the art supply store. I took the bus into town – no dice. So, I took the same bus (literally the same – same bus driver and all) back in the other direction. Luckily the DIY store at the shopping mall at the end of the line had some. They even had a different kind that I have yet to try – smooth structure paste.

I also bought some orange paint. Yes, I could have mixed red and yellow to make orange, but this was faster, and I loved the shade of orange they had.

It was about 2 PM by the time I was ready to put on the base color. Sometimes I wish I had ideas like this a little earlier, but there you go …

I was channeling orange and the Netherlands and the friend I was painting it for. Adding layers of color. More orange. More blue. More green. Making colors explode all over the place. Trying not to blend colors too much. It turned out just as vibrant as I wanted it to.

This was the result - what do you think? I kind of like it … a lot.

Channeling Oranje

Next problem. How do I get this to the Netherlands in one piece?

Well, I still had those pizza boxes they gave me after a painting event in Zurich. With a little resourcefulness, I managed to fashion a smaller box that will hopefully work.

I’m super happy with the result myself, but we’ll see if the recipient likes it too. Fingers crossed.

Update: the painting survived six trains and a short car ride, and it was very well received. Me happy. Ik ben blij 😊.