I thought it might be fun to try and paint a still life completely backwards or better to say in the opposite direction than I usually do. Most of the time I paint the darks first and head toward the light. Sometimes I mark off the too extremes, darks and highlights, but then I finish dark to light. This time I experimented in going backwards.
This photo helps show the
forms being built as I continue to paint backwards from light to dark. At this point my brain started to get confused. Once I began painting the mid tones I found it hard to keep getting darker in small steps. I wanted to jump to the darkest value then work towards the light. Sometimes it is difficult to break up the habits we form in our daily work.
click on the image to enlarge pictureAfternoon Tea
8"x8"
oil on wood
The orange is just glowing in the afternoon light and the teapot sits there with a very regal look. I like to think of the objects as living things. This painting has a very angular feel. Angles repeat and repeat throughout the composition, the teapot, the orange slice and the angular pattern in the design of the fabric. My only angle was to keep practicing.
3 comments:
hmm I think it turned out well! I always wondered whether the dark to light was SO important!
Indeed it turned out very well
i didn't expect that it would so well, nice to see someone try it.
You have a great way of showing and telling about how you work Peter, what your thoughts are how you proceed and the hurdles you encounter, thanks!
Loverly Pete!
Though I'd buy the rough 2nd stage shot probably...
So shoot me :)
Post a Comment