It’s always a good day in the studio!
The Strada Easel challenge has come to a close. Now the challenge is to keep going so I added color to the original oil sketch and post it as a followup. It isn't finished nor for sale, but I will be starting new images on materials that are better suited to be for sale.
Thanks again for following along.
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| Porcelain Tea Strainer Color Study - NFS 5.25 x 6.5 oil on canvas sheet ©2023 |
Day 31 #stradaeasel
This is the final day of the Strada Easel Challenge and I'm feeling both relieved (because I succeeded painting each day) as well as sad that it's over (because it helped keep me engaged with my painting).
Now the real challenge begins to keep it going. I'm getting my 'see legs' again and it is wonderful.
I plan to follow up with this little sketch and add color.
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| Porcelain Tea Strainer Sketch 5.25 x 6.5 oil on canvas sheet ©2023 |
Day 30 #stradaeasel
Wanted to try this tea pot in color, so I went for it. The design on the teapot is pretty detailed and the painting shows only the impression when my eyes area blurred. I will do this several more times to see how I might improve on the detail without going crazy or overworking it. All in all, I'm happy I tried and have no problem with the result at this stage.
I see where to improve on it, and that's what counts when doing studies.
It may seem odd that I have posted everyday this month and none have been for sale. The whole exercise it to help myself establish good habits as I work on my skills and prepare to do completed paintings that will be for sale soon.
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| Tetsukyusu Tea Pot Color Study 5.25 x 7.5 Oil on canvas sheet ©2023 |
Day 28 #stradaeasel
Another flower grouping. I'm feeling less stressed about the results in my studies. There's definitely more work that could be done to call it finished, but the freshness is appealing. It may not show in the photo, but I'm getting better at seeing the values (I think).
I must also learn how to photograph paintings to reduce the glare. I like texture, but the little flecks are distracting to the actual brushwork.
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| Clay Pot with Dark Pink Daisies - Study 9 x 8 oil on canvas sheet ©2023 |
Day 26 #stradaeasel
Well I went for color today and almost scrapped the entire thing. Still might so I can do a better job. I've learned something new each day of the challenge and plan to select at least 6-8 of the paintings and start fresh when I don't have to have something posted everyday. Anyway this is the countdown week!
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| Teacup Color Study - NFS Oil on canvas sheet. ©2023 |
Day 17 #stradaeasel
Had some fresh lemons and wanted to work with greens again. It's the hardest color for me so several of the challenge painting have a green background. Kinda like eating the frog first idea, and hopefully it will get easier as I move along.
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| Block In - NFS Lemons in a Row Oil on canvas sheet - 9x6 ©2023 |
Day 16 #stradaeasel
Hump Day for the Month of January!! Shifted gears a bit today and painted something more familiar. Apples!! These have been sitting awhile and honestly ready for the trash, but thought they needed a reason to exist since they are no long edible. Glad I did the painting.
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| Quick study - NFS Old Acquaintance Oil on canvas sheet ©2023 |
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| Unfinished - NFS Blue Floral Teacup Oil on canvas sheet ©2023 |
Day 14 #stradaeasel
No special history on this cup and saucer. It's just a new start for the challenge. I took a bit more time to do the setup today, but kept it simple. Another benefit of doing this daily challenge is I'm finding the skill areas that need the most work. Gives me something to look forward to when I'm working on my painting skills after the challenge. Actually looking forward to it - love learning!
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| Unfinished Block in - NFS Blue Floral Teacup Oil on canvas sheet ©2023 |
Day 13 #stradaeasel
Today, I just swapped out the teapot from yesterday and left the background - not good. I honestly need to work on a better setup with more color harmony, but I got a late start and had to get something posted to stay in the challenge. I'll do this one again, just not sure when.
This teapot is older than I am. It's a Price Kensington from England and belonged to my Grandmother.
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| Unfinished - NFS Grandma's Old Brown Teapot Oil on canvas sheet ©2023 |
Day 5 #stradaeasel
This is a continuation exploring light with the Beige Tea Pot. I changed the background in preference to a higher contrast to the foreground subjects giving deeper shadows. Will continue with this one and push some of the color notes in the subject.
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| Unfinished Block in - NFS Beige Pot with Mum in Oil ©2023 |
