Making Applesauce

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I have been using the internet with sites like Pinterest to look at lots and lots of artwork by a diverse body of artists, young and old, well-known and unknown. It seems I am drawn to a specific style, manner of execution and subject matter over the course of all this work. As a painter myself, I am trying to figure out what it is exactly that makes the paintings I deem "great" or "beautiful," great and beautiful. I have noticed that for one thing, many have very dark backgrounds which is something I would not have thought to do. I tried it here and I like it. I also notice that table lines are often broken up. I did that here, too, with the napkins and mason jars. It worked out nicely, in my humble opinion. It is good to finally be able to "see" what I am seeing.

Demitasse in Blue

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I have certainly worked this still life set-up to death, but I don't care, I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Honestly, when I find an arrangement of objects that "works," I think it is a good idea to get as many variations from it as possible. It helps me get a better handle on painting, in this case, the apples, the bottle, the orchids and cup. Overall, I am very satisfied with my "orchid series."

A Little Demitasse and Orchids

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I found a set of demitasse cups and saucers at a local thrift store. They are so sweet, and just the right size for my shadow box still life setups. I love the little glint of gold along the lip of the cup. So fun to paint.

Orchids with Sugar Bowl and Bottles

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I am so excited to have remembered a painting process that I read about years ago in Richard Schmid's book Alla Prima and just recently saw demonstrated by Daniel Keys in one of his painting videos. The basic idea is to look at the still life, determine the shape and color of an area and then put that color and shape directly onto the canvas. Return to the still life, look again, determine the next color and shape you see and then put that down directly onto the canvas. There is no underpainting, no glazing, no reworking. One precise color, value and shape placed repeatedly on the canvas until the painting is complete. When I DON'T use this method, I often find myself "repainting" the painting several times over which is obviously very inefficient and incredibly frustrating. I am so happy that I was reminded of Schmid's technique by watching Key's video. I am determined not to slip back into my old lazy painting habit of just going round and round on the canvas until it all works.

Orchids and Bottles

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I told you I felt an "orchid series"coming on! This is a new size panel for me, and I love it.  It's lots of fun to set up a still life when you've got a bit of elbow room.

Orchids to Scale

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Please remind me NOT to put a round object dead center in the middle of a still life set up ever again. It is absolute self-sabotage.

Orchids and Apples

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My grocery store sells small orchid plants. I bought a few the other day. They are perfect for still life. The blooms last quite a long time and the buds open slowly. I think I feel an "orchid series" coming on.

Kelly's Carnations and Fruit

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I was lucky enough to "win" the centerpiece at my friend Kelly's baby shower. The bouquet of pink carnations came wrapped with pink and blue ribbons. For this still life, I removed the blue ribbon. Yes, it could be that the blue ribbon just didn't work in the composition, or....  it could be that I think she's having a little girl!!  ;)

Little Green Apples with Ribbon

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My focus here was composition and color. Regarding composition, I wanted the ribbon to draw attention up to the apples and then around the rest of the painting.  The pink of the flowers peeking in from above literally brings it full circle. Oh, and the greens... lots of fun making some warm and keeping others cool. Happy Valentine's Day.

Half Measures

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This painting was as much about space and atmosphere and emptiness as it was about the the apples and the rose. I am loving the pursuit of these invisible entities and sensitivities in my paintings.

Tea Party

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 For the record, the title is not a political statement of any sort. It being election day, I just couldn't resist.

Two Roses and Two and a Half Apples

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I am experimenting with point of view. I have noticed that my compositions are clearly more challenging but may also be more interesting when I am looking down on the still life. I have had to get very close to my shadow box and have needed to put my easel off to the side a bit. Basically, I was contorted when I painted this... but it was so worth it!

Yellow Rose Surrounded by Apples

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I broke out the palette knife on this one as I strive to create atmosphere in my still life paintings. Again, I am trying to pay close attention to value and notice lost and found edges. This time, I also applied the paint a bit thicker than usual, and am very happy with the outcome.

Apples and Ceramic Pot

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I was back in the kitchen... whipping up something delicious.... and gala, and macintosh!