Thursday, July 31, 2008

"Three Apples" Stage 4


Continuing to work on the plate, I have added the strong blue shapes in the pattern. At this point, I can see how the colors are working together.

Friday, July 25, 2008

"Three Apples" Stage 3


The apples aren't finished, but their basic colors are established so I have started to work on the intricate patterns on the plate. I had already painted some of the shadows on the plate before adding the details.

Monday, July 21, 2008

"Three Apples" Stage 2


Started developing the apples and put down a wash establishing the basic color of the table.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

"Three Apples" First Stages


I started this painting without stretching the paper. I did use clear watercolor tape to give me a clean sharp border. I applied masking fluid around the edge of the plate. There is a thin white edge that has a blue stripe on it. Since it separates the edge of the plate & the darker brown table I thought it would just be simpler in the long run to to mask the white. After the masking was dry I put down some pale yellow washes. I used cadmium yellow pale, cadmium lemon and aureolin. When that dried I started establishing some of the shadow areas with ultramarine blue. I also began to put down some of the reds. I’ve used permanent rose, permanent alizarin crimson and Schmincke scarlet red. The paper, Arches 140lb cold pressed, is buckling too much to make me happy. I wetted both sides of the paper & stapled it to gator board to flatten it out.

"Three Apples"

I completed the initial drawing for this painting. The subject is a simple still-life, three apples on an antique Japanese plate. I took the reference photo last Christmas while I was in Houston at Dad’s house. I love the pattern on the plate. I also like the late afternoon winter light.