Studio Still Life

I couldn't find a reference photo that inspired me, so decided to setup a still life. I used a fabric bin, on its side, to be able to control the light on my setup. I planned on only using the south light coming in my studio window as my light source. The sky today was overcast but the snow cover gave a nice soft light. The photos below are actually brighter than actual because the iPad adjusted the lighting in the photos. Later, the lighting from the window caused some problems.

The inside of the bin was an apple green, which I didn't like, so I cut some mat black board to line the bin. I used a nice silky fabric for the floor, but actually didn't use the pattern or color of this fabric in the end, instead choosing the complementary color of blue.

I also needed to decide which angle would make the most pleasing painting. I propped up the setup onseveral boxes until it was closer to eye level.

I was working on a 6x6 piece of UArt 500 grit pastel paper. Process shots are below. I didn't finish this because I realized after about an hour into the painting, that because I am left handed, and my window and light source was on my left and the light was fading at 4pm - I was having difficulties seeing where I was placing my marks, and trouble seeing the correct colors. Although it is unfinished, it was a good exercise.

 

 

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Another Storm Day

We've been having a challenging winter. Today I went out early to see how bad the roads were and to get gas in the car and some groceries. I had a rough time just driving 2 miles to the store due to the snow. The amount wasn't much, but it was really icy underneath and blustery winds made it drift. I made it back home and decided to cancel my afternoon plans and stay home.

I got into the studio and didn't have much of a plan, but picked up a coated board I made awhile back. I think this was coated with Art Spectrum clear. I still had a snow scene photo on my table, so just played around with that on this board. I put hard pastels down in wild colors for an under painting which I melted with Gamsol. Process shots below:

 

 

 

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Studio Work: Winter's Arrival

I finally got out the oil paints, after many months and was able to paint a painting! I had doubts that my oil painting skills were gone but I like how this one turned out.

Seems like most of the painters I follow online are doing winter scenes, so I had to give it a shot.

"Winter's Arrival", 8 x 10", oil on hardboard

Below are process shots. I began my sketch with a too-yellow tone, and wiped it out, and started over. In the end, that yellow may have helped.

The Chicken and the Cow

I did a quick painting on the black surface I prepared a week or so ago. I'm not sure I like the feel of the grit mixture on the hard board. When I have used this mixture on a more flexible surface, I like the results much better. 

"The Chicken and the Cow", 8x10, pastel on black gesso pumice hardboard

Here are process shots below: