Finished, I think.
Here is the painting I did from the sketch I posted back on January 5th.
1/16/06
This is a sketch I did with Koh-I-Noor Gioconda Artists' Lead and watercolor.
I set up this simple little still life with a painting friend using the cardboard box idea again. I really don't have that down, and I can't find the website where I read about it. Well, whether we are doing it right or wrong, it does add some extra drama to the lighting.
Another painting friend gave me these leads and the holder - they are big fat leads that go in a big fat holder. Not knowing that it is water soluble, I did the sketch on lightweight sketchbook paper. Being a watercolor painter, I just couldn't keep my hands off those brushes - had to see what a little water would do with the lead. So, of course, then I had to add a little color. It was fun, although I don't feel it is a good finished product. If I were to get serious about the combination of Gioconda Lead and watercolor, I would use Arches 140 hot press (smooth) watercolor paper.
But it isn't all about a finished product. It's about experimentation, planning a little (sometimes a lot), discovery, excitement, satisfaction in the moment. The journey - it's all about the journey.
1/5/06
Happy New Year!
I have been away from the blog awhile. Which also means I haven't painted in awhile, but hey, we all need a break now and then to refuel our creativity, right? If not painting for awhile refuels one's creativity, then why is it so hard to get started again? Trust me - the secret to being productive and creative is to keep the momentum going - not taking a break. But I must say here that the break was FUN - lots of family around, and that was wonderful!
So here I go! The thought of winter still lifes can be rather boring and non-inspiring, but I think we have to realize it is the lighting, colors, and composition that make it fun - not just the objects. Maybe not even the objects at all. We have all done oranges and pears. This white pitcher has been in my paintings previously. For something new - I found the tall skinny bottle at a second hand shop recently, and a friend that knows I love anything with blue and white stripes just brought me the dish towel. What I am finding compelling about doing this painting is the lighting. I set it up in a cardboard box and angled a bright light on it. I did this sketch so I could see just the strong values (lights and darks) - they are harder to spot with a colorful palette in front of you and in the "frenzy" of painting. Besides, I may eat some of the fruit for my lunch.
I'll keep you updated on the progress of the painting. It isn't going to be very large - a quarter sheet (11 X 15).
I have been away from the blog awhile. Which also means I haven't painted in awhile, but hey, we all need a break now and then to refuel our creativity, right? If not painting for awhile refuels one's creativity, then why is it so hard to get started again? Trust me - the secret to being productive and creative is to keep the momentum going - not taking a break. But I must say here that the break was FUN - lots of family around, and that was wonderful!
So here I go! The thought of winter still lifes can be rather boring and non-inspiring, but I think we have to realize it is the lighting, colors, and composition that make it fun - not just the objects. Maybe not even the objects at all. We have all done oranges and pears. This white pitcher has been in my paintings previously. For something new - I found the tall skinny bottle at a second hand shop recently, and a friend that knows I love anything with blue and white stripes just brought me the dish towel. What I am finding compelling about doing this painting is the lighting. I set it up in a cardboard box and angled a bright light on it. I did this sketch so I could see just the strong values (lights and darks) - they are harder to spot with a colorful palette in front of you and in the "frenzy" of painting. Besides, I may eat some of the fruit for my lunch.
I'll keep you updated on the progress of the painting. It isn't going to be very large - a quarter sheet (11 X 15).