Showing posts with label Maple Valley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maple Valley. Show all posts

Thursday, January 22, 2015

30/30 Challenge - Huge Solitary Lemon - Day 21-22

Well, it's now day 21 and I'm still on track. Have to say that I've been feeling a little bit of resistance mostly because I want to put more time planning before starting a painting, but if I've established a new habit of painting everyday, then I won't feel defeated no matter what the outcome. The daily posting to the hosting blog is probably the most challenging to accomplish in this exercise because of the time limit on when posting is closed for any given day.

Day 21

Why this lemon?? Well, I've seen a lot of lemons, but none the size of a large orange!! This has to be the largest lemon ever - it's skin wasn't smooth and yet it wasn't very thick either. Just seems so unusual, but then I don't get to see them growing in their natural environment. Never the less, it wanted to be painted, right?

Once again with reflected light. The light source is again at the top, like high noon. I'm trying to keep most things consistent to see if I notice the color nuances more easily with fewer variables except for the main object.


Day 22

Decided to paint this record breaking lemon again with another light angle so I didn't get the halo effect on the table top-and a few minor changes in the setup. Lemon turned, changed the color of the table top, and added some greenery.

Still working on reflected lighting which is a huge challenge for me, but lots of fun trying. Also limited the time to complete so I don't think so much about the decisions.

Tip: This may seem obvious to you, but it wasn't readily apparent to me. The metaphor that comes to mind here is I 'couldn't see the forest for the trees.' Even when I squint, I've found that I'm noticing too much information when I begin a painting so I've decided to work with a setup from a greater distance so I don't see so much detail. If I need to see some more specific detail, I'll just walk up closer to see it. I think this will certainly help me see larger shapes first...

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Turban Squash - Still Life

This was getting back to my usual palette - and all I can say is what a difference. It shouts in comparison. Lots of fun to paint. Could end up in the oven...



Turban Squash - SOLD
6 x 6 Oil on Canvas Panel
© 2013

Monday, October 15, 2012

Dry spells... glad when they are over - sometimes!

Larger Studio Space





Whew! It has been over a month since my last post, and no painting either. The good news is the garage ceiling is insulated, and the studio equipment is moved into the larger space.

It isn't fancy or modern and there are no windows for natural light, but it is functional and has everything I need to work. It is lit with daylight bulbs (5700+K), has storage for supplies and still-life props, and room for more than one easel. Even enough space for a seated model if the opportunity presents itself.

I use a small heater to warm the space - then it and holds a steady comfortable temperature. There is a large old desk where I will set up a monitor for viewing reference materials, drawers for filing, and an arm lamp. Under the vinyl is a foam pad recycled from my equine days that will make it more comfortable for standing.

The other half of the garage is almost cleared out for even more room, and more shelves if I should need it. Still have a few things to do - like mounting a mirror but all in all I am happy, happy, happy and ready to paint!


Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Two Plus One Pink Tulips

Well I did it! I managed to get another tulips painting done before they had to be thrown away... I like the way this one turned out even thought the flowers were not as fresh.

SOLD

Two Plus One Pink Tulips
6 x 6 Oil on Canvas Panel
© 2012

Monday, October 31, 2011

Moving drains the mind and spirit!

Hi All,

Just in case you are wondering if I've fallen off the planet, the answer is almost YES!
I recently sold my house and moved - all happening in 7 weeks except for the months of cleaning and repairs prior.

Needless to say this left me little time to paint with work schedules and moving demands. Whew!
Still dealing with unpacking and boxes stacked high in the garage, but I hope I am back at the easel in the very near future... until then I'm visualizing a lot of beautiful images that could make wonderful paintings.

Roseanne


Old study for paint texture effects.
8" x 8" on canvas sheet in oil.