Still Life with Cherries

[JohnT]

Sorry about the photo state - its an old painting (15 years ago)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2002/cherries.jpg

JohnT

[walden]

Great texture in the back wall, and wonderful light. So many of these paintings are from a while ago-- are you still painting?

[vermilion]

nice work :)

can I ask you a question... I like the light in you painting... it is soft and pretty dark (cosy :) ). I've tried to setup a few still lifes myself.... moving lights around my 'studio' trying to create something like the light situation you have in that painting. That part is okay, but the problem is when I get back to my easel... it is suddenly too dark in the room to paint! :-) I tried using a spotlight pointing just at my easel, but it was no good... How do you do it?

[JohnT]

Never paint this subject with man made lighting. Always use daylight to cast the shadows. Work near a window and use movable boards between the subject and the window to alter the light direction and strength. Work on very finely sanded board and use very finely mixed paint, almost pourable. This subject has to be built up in very fine layers with a base of white where you want the light to be strong or for trancelucent areas. You have to make the decision if you want authenticity or not. If so there are no short cuts. That means studying even the objects. All of the objects you see are totally authentic and not copies. The glass's are 17th century Venetian. The Platter 16th century Dutch, etc. Traditional Still life should never contain the likes of bananas or any other non original item. Take a look at the Dutch Masters and see what they used. IA few remarks have been made regarding the darkness, this is how it should be, they are intenionally painted that way.

Hope this helps
JohnT

[vallarta]

The painting was wonderfull. I give you my 4 clap award.
:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

I especially liked the response you gave on how you did it. It was susinct and pitty. You summed up what makes a good still life in a few short words.

vallarta.

[Allan Jameson]

Again excellent......

[Rose Queen]

I love this, John; it has a very nice Old Master feel to it and the light's quite nice. Welcome to WetCanvas, by the way!