Work In Process

 Work In Process

Day 14 Strada Easel Challenge

Working on the other half of the painting. I don’t usually work this way but in this case, it keeps me from being overwhelmed by that darn shawl in the background. Still a lot to do. Hopefully I can persevere through it. I’m trying to get the detail in without being too photorealistic.  I always shoot for painterly yet detailed.

Work in Process

 Work in Process

Day 14 Strada Easel.Challenge 

This side is almost done.

I now remember why I sat this one aside. I started with a black background...because that’s what was in my set up. Then, part way through I decided it really needed something to bring the three objects together besides a black background. Fortunately I had a colorful shawl that fit the bill...unfortunately, it added a tremendous amount of work to the piece.  Like 2020, it was dark and overwhelming. As I progressed, the piece became too busy and the folds in the shawl was becoming too distracting. Lesson learned, be sure of your composition before you start. 😊  As painful as it is, I’m planning on cropping the painting into a square format (my favorite format)...and only including the left half of the teapot.  Why, you might ask? Because the focal point is intended to be the shaft of light falling across the shawl and onto the tabletop, highlighting the sugar bowl, edge of the teapot/steam and flowers. The curve in the teapot handle will gently guide the eye from the top right corner of the piece down toward the light (at least that’s the plan).

I don’t know why, but during the winter months I wake very early (like, 3am today) so, I’m done for the day having put in 4-6 hours already). In fact, I see a nap in my near future (after Benny gets his dog walk in).

 

A Work In Progress

 A Work In Progress

Day 13 Strada Easel Challenge

Fortunately, for the challenge we don’t have to complete a painting in one day. This one has been on my “list” to finish for some time.  So, today was the day to work on a portion of it. It’s far more complex, so it’s a pastel this time instead of an oil. It’s a still life that I tried to set back up with the shawl in the background...unfortunately I couldn’t get the patterns lined up like I had it. I’ll have to work around that issue. A long, tedious day!

Silver Creamer With Cuties

 Silver Creamer and Cuties

6x6, oil

Day 12 Strada Easel Challenge

Practice makes perfect right? Well in this case, perhaps it looks like silver a bit more than in previous versions...or maybe not...but it was a fun exercise anyway! 

Jewel Tones

 Jewel Tones6x6, oil

Day 11 Strada Easel Challenge

These little jewel toned liquor glasses are some of my favorite ones (not that I have a lot of liquor glasses)...but, the painting itself didn’t meet expectations. For some reason the oil paint just didn’t want to go onto the canvas...so, like some paintings...I’ll probably paint it again. 

A Bit of Berries

 A Bit of Berrries

6x6, oil

Day 10 Strada Easel Challenge

I purchase grocery items sometimes with a painting in mind (such as these red raspberries).  Often, the food is eaten before a painting is created. This time, there were a few berries left, but only enough to fill this teeny tiny liquor glass. I love it’s deep purpley-red color.  It makes me think of grape jam. I may paint it again. 😊

Avocado Sunrise

 Avacado Sunrise

6x6, oil

Day 9 Strada Easel Challenge 

There’s something about painting this little piece that was so much fun, I wondered why I hadn’t painted one before now. I eat avocado and toast almost every morning and today was no exception. Unfortunately I broke down and ate half of it before I finished the painting. It was delightful!