Ginger Jar

Ginger Jar 16x12 oil on stretched canvas

This painting reminded me of a reference made by an artist whose blog I follow. Her name is Kate Stone, her paintings are wonderful, and her blog is:  Painting Stuff To Look Like Stuff

Kate cites the 80/20 rule, which alludes to the fact that often it's only 20 percent of your painting that makes you drink 80 percent of that bottle of wine. This was one such painting for me. Even though most of it came together swimmingly, it took me AGES to correctly capture the color and texture of the plums. More than once, I almost tossed the whole shebang. For the sake of the 80 percent that was working, however, I soldiered on.

Here are some steps in my struggles along the way:

Sketch in oil

Beginning underpainting

Working on dynamics of all fruit

Color of grapes and plums is too similar 

Plums now too blue, green grapes too vibrant

Green grapes developing, plums still too blue

Ginger Jar finished 16x12 oil on stretched canvas

Oranges

Oranges 6 x 6 acrylic on stretched canvas  SOLD

This is my second little painting sold at the "Small Art, Big Cause" charity show. I love the color combination, and those great shadows. I have a similar daily painting featuring pink grapefruit sections, but I suspected that orange sections might work even better.

Apples and Bowls

Apples and Bowls 8 x 10 oil on stretched canvas ON HOLD

As I recover from cataract surgery, I've not done many small paintings. I've been slowly finishing up some larger pieces for galleries, charity shows and such. This is a re-post of one of my early DPW pieces. Those who follow my blog will likely find it familiar, but for others it might be fresh. In any case, thanks to everyone who gives it a look!

Too Big for the Bowl

Too Big for the Bowl 8 x 8 acrylic on gallery wrap canvas  SOLD

Just the fragrance of strawberries conjures up summertime for me, and they are abundant here right now. This 8"x8" acrylic is painted on 1.5 inch deep gallery wrap canvas, so it can be displayed unframed. Here are a couple of progress shots...

Fruit and Bowl

Fruit and Bowl 8 x 10 oil on stretched canvas

This is water-miscible oils on stretched canvas. I've not used my oils in a while, but lately had a hankering for that soft, juicy texture. The subject is a familiar favorite, but what I painted was beside the point. It was the medium not the message that concerned me. I wanted to 'play' with oils for a change.

I paint a lot in acrylics, and there's so much about them that I like. Clean up is quick and easy, no solvents needed, and layers can be added in minutes. Even painting white over black is no problem. I use heavy body acrylics, and keeping them from drying on the palette can be a battle. I get focused on the painting and forget to "spritz" with my spray bottle. The stay-wet palettes don't work for me. In spite of my efforts to get just the right degree of moisture, my paints soon become too fluid.

So, every so often I long for the buttery richness, and slower-drying blendability of oil paints. But since I'm spoiled by the easy clean up of acrylics, I reach for my water-miscible oils.

The Humidor

The Humidor 16 x 12 acrylic on gallery wrap canvas NFS

This is one of several paintings I'll be exhibiting in an upcoming Muskoka Arts and Crafts Members' show. I'm happy to say that a smaller, similar version sold earlier from DPW, so hopefully this one will fare well in the show.

One For All

One For All 5 x 7 acrylic on stretched canvas  SOLD

This little painting of three cherries is a companion to yesterday's 'En Garde.'  Their stems really do seem to be indicating the musketeer's refrain of "all-for-one-and-one-for-all."

En Garde

En Garde 5 x 7 acrylic on stretched canvas  SOLD

These two cherries really appeared to be 'crossing swords' and ready for a duel. I just love painting the luscious deep tones of cherries.

Plum Happy

Plum Happy 8 x 10acrylic on stretched canvas  SOLD

Based on a set up I've painted various ways, and enjoyed every time, "Plum Happy" was done for a fund-raising event.

Plum Royale

Plum Royale 8 x 10  acrylic onstretched canvas  SOLD

I know, I know, it's that brass pot again!  Just can't resist an old favorite -- it's always such fun to paint.

Apples and Jug

Apples and Jug  16 x 20 acrylic on stretched canvas SOLD

At 16" x 20" this is one of my larger still life paintings. The brown pottery jug is a favorite. It has a simple, satisfyingly-balanced form. It also brings a warm earthy touch that contrasts with the jewel-tones of the apples and grapes.

Luscious

Luscious 5 x 7 acrylic on stretched canvas  SOLD

Nothing tastes more like summer than fresh strawberries. Their aroma alone can make my mouth water.  Problem is, it seems to take me longer to wash and husk them than it does to eat them!  Frankly, this pair were spared only long enough to pose.  They were delicious.

Bountiful

Bountiful 9 x 12 acrylic on stretched canvas  SOLD

Another classical still life, this time with a dark background. Crisp apples, purple grapes, and a brass bowl comprise a bounty of color and texture. This 9x12 acrylic on canvas is already framed in a contemporary natural wood floater frame. 

Heirloom Humidor with Fruit

Heirloom Humidor with Fruit 10 x 8 acrylic on stretched canvas  SOLD

I loved painting this acrylic still life.  It was all about celebrating the varied textures and jewel-like colors. The turquoise and gold humidor is a family heirloom. It was hand-painted in the 1930's by a family ancestor, Anna Patterson Hatfield-Adamson, who apparently was quite renowned. She often painted on pieces of classic porcelain including Limoges, and some of her pieces have been auctioned at Christie's and even appeared on the Antiques Roadshow.