I adore the colours of hydrangeas in the fall. They lose that bright summer blues and pinks and become faded. Even the whites turn a faded green. Some dried brown petals turn the blooms into pieces of art in shades of all colours.
I did the the first sketch too stiff and controlled into a round ball, even though I am not too unhappy with the colours.
So I decided to do another sketch, this time much looser, maybe not immediately recognizable as an hydrangea, but I have never cared about likeness. Loose, fluid painting with personal interpretation is much more important to me.
à bientôt
ronelle
Africantapestry 
Some of my very favorites and you have captured them so prettily.
Stunning!! I totally agree with you, I love that faded colour. Here in the south of France, Hydrangeas turn that colour much too early! They are now bright green!!!!