Mug O' Mum

8" x 10" acrylic on canvas board

I painted this purple mug on a purple background with a mum peeking out the top on Thursday of the Carol Marine workshop. I just love these two colors together. The hardest part about this painting was getting the shape of the mug right.

Carol Marine Workshop Day 2

Day two of our workshop, Carol gave us an assignment in painting values. The parameters were to use one color ( I used burnt umber) to create three paintings, each with a different value being dominant. The paintings were timed. The first painting was done in 30 minutes, the second in 15, and the third in 5! The idea is to try to simplify the painting enough to capture the essence of the object using value. My first painting of the mug is light-value dominant, the second painting of the pitcher is mid-value dominant, and the third painting of the egg cup is dark-value dominant. This worthwhile exercise was challenging and fun!

8" x 8" acrylic on canvas board, 30 minute painting time

5" x 7" acrylic on canvas board, 15 minute painting time

8" x 8" acrylic on canvas board, 5 minute painting time

Today's Painting, Starbucks Mug #2

I tried painting this mug the other day and got really  frustrated.  Then, I did the watercolor sketch of it (see previous post) and tried again today.  I think the watercolor really helped loosen me up.  I am much happier with this.  Hope you like it too. Acrylic on canvas board, 7" x 9".

Watercolors 2/11/2009

I decided to do a few quick watercolor sketches today because I was feeling stuck, and I like the spontaneous feeling of a watercolor.  It forces me to be more loose.  When I paint, I am getting bogged down in the details.  I realize I need to SIMPLIFY and edit everything I am seeing.  Watercolor on 140lb. paper, 8.5" x 5.5"

Painting Class

I feel like this is good enough to post. We did an all white still life in class on Monday. I really like the shadow of the teapot, and even with the limited color palette, it really began to glow once I hit the highlights. I had trouble making the spout look attached to the pot, until I added an oval shape right at the connection. I also really like how I showed the edge of the table and a suggestion of the tablecloth. I think it works!