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SilverAnn
02-01-2006, 07:38 PM
This is an oil painting, 11 x 14 on archival canvas board, from life. I started it at home with a tonal underpainting sketch in black paint (which I don't usually do, but I wanted to establish the darks beforehand), then took it to my gallery where I did a demo during my recent opening reception.

I took the subject, a cut lemon on a plate, with me as well. People got a kick out of seeing that I really had the lemon there to paint from, but unfortunately the lighting setup in the gallery was different from the north light I use at home. I missed out on a lot of food there because I was painting the whole time, but I guess that was just as well. I was still able to talk to people, and I feel more comfortable with a brush in my hand.

It was too dark in there to really finish it, but I put in a good effort, then took it (and the now raggedy lemon subject) home to finish it in a third painting session. I had to rescue the lemon from being thrown out during the cleanup of the catering! It wasn't too bad though, just a little dried out, so it's currently in the fridge being put into service to flavor mineral water.

I usually work all in one session for this size of painting, so the three sessions and tonal underpainting sketch were a total departure for me. I put the lemon on a purple plate to create a complementary color scheme.

--Ann

ColorMyWorld
02-01-2006, 10:41 PM
Amazing that you could keep going with the lemon drying out so much.
Lovely play of colors. I like the circular movement.

You probably were better off missing out on the food. If it was me, I know someone would ask me a question as soon as I put food in my mouth!

SilverAnn
02-02-2006, 11:29 AM
I know, that always happens. The minute you get a cracker in your mouth, someone wants to know all about plein air painting or something. I just waited until it was over and had a little plate of leftovers.

Thank you for saying nice things. I have been a member here for years but I hardly ever post, (I mainly "lurk"), so I'm trying to improve that. I have a few plein air paintings at the photographer right now so when they come back, I will post more. I saw all these food paintings Larry did and I got inspired.

--Ann

Wayne Gaudon
02-02-2006, 11:40 AM
real remon .. I mean lemon .. nice little excursion.

JamieWG
02-02-2006, 11:55 AM
Ann, wow, that lemon has quite a tale to tell. Seems it should get preserved in some way after all the poor thing has been through.

I think painting light-colored fruits cut open or peeled is reeeeally difficult.

Looking forward to seeing your plein air pieces and more posts from you now that you're coming out of lurkdom. :D Was the show a solo show? Do we get pics? You know how visual we artist types are. LOL

Jamie

SilverAnn
02-02-2006, 12:41 PM
Thanks, Wayne. And Jamie, the reception was actually a grand opening for the gallery/studio space I share with my friend Ellie Havel Wagoner in Escondido, CA.

Here's a photo of the space -- my paintings are on the right side and hers are on the left. We do plein air painting together, and our styles are similar enough for our paintings to look good displayed together.

That easel on the right is where I was attempting to paint the lemon. I had the lemon balanced on the front part where you would usually put the palette (which I held in my hand instead).

--Ann

p.s. We're having another reception Feb. 11th for any who live nearby - you're welcome to drop in. I'll be doing a flower painting from life. Details are on my web site. You east coasters will have to fly in, though. :D

JamieWG
02-02-2006, 01:22 PM
Ann, the gallery looks great. I love the red! I'd be sooo afraid to set up an easel in there and get paint all over. So, I take it this is like a gallery room next to your studio? How cool!

Jamie

SilverAnn
02-02-2006, 01:50 PM
Actually, this room is the whole deal - we call it a studio but it's really for display. I mainly paint outdoors or, for still life, in my kitchen. We chose the red wall to show off the gold framed pieces.

My main dilemma was wanting to do a demo, yet wanting to wear something nice too. Luckily I managed not to get paint all over myself or the carpet.

--Ann