Onions and Garlic

[J. D. Hillberry]

Onions and Garlic
Charcoal and Graphite
5" x 8"

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-May-2002/Onions_and_Garlic.jpg

This is also posted in the drawing forum, but since it's a still life drawn in the classical realism style I thought I would post it in this lonely little forum also. I have to do a miniture for an upcoming art show. The composition was fun but I'm not used to working this small! I'm still messing with the values and I need to clean it up a bit. The original drawing isn't as grainy or contrasty as this jpg image.

Here's a close-up.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-May-2002/onions_and_garlic_close-up.jpg

Thanks for looking,
J. D.

[cagathoc]

This is an amazing piece! And the thing that hits me the strongest is not your masterful handling of values (which is a delight) but the story you've told here. I really get a little tug at my heart for this playful family of onions and their baby garlic.

Wonderful; wonderful!

:clap:

[J. D. Hillberry]

Thanks for your comments cagathoc. This is one of the most thought out compositions I have ever done. I was adjusting the elements and lighting for three days before I even started drawing. Even some of the crumples in the bag were planned. My goal was to use the compositional techniques of 17th century Flemish classical realism to lead the eye through the piece - even though it's a miniature. The dark areas of the bag serve as a contrasting background for the onions and garlic, and the interesting lighting effects on the shadow side of the bag create arrows that should lead the eye to the onion in the back. The background is lighter on the right side to create contrast with the shadow side of that onion. All this, just to make it look like my purchases from the market are waiting on my butcher block while I go look for a knife. By the way, I don't own a butcher block; I had to make that one up.
My digital camera didn't do a good job with the darker values. There is much more detail on the inside of the bag and it contains some darker values than the background.
As always, comments (and critiques) are welcome.
J. D.

[arlene]

JD, I just look in awe...nothing to critique...I myself can never get the realism i'm wanting in graphite (and i even have your book! LOL)

Guess i'll stick to cp's and admire your masterful work...

[YLCIA]

Absolutely Superb!!!!!!!!!!!!

Julia

[surreal]

You've captured the essence of the onion. I feel like I can reach out and touch it and know what its skin will feel like.

This is a masterful drawing!
surreal:D

[J. D. Hillberry]

Originally posted by surreal
You've captured the essence of the onion. I feel like I can reach out and touch it and know what its skin will feel like.


It's interesting you say that Surreal. I spent a half hour at the market rummaging through all the onions looking for the ones that scream "ONION!" It's strange but some onions aren't very union-like. The ladies picking out food for their evening meal must have thought I was crazy!

J. D.

[harriet]

I don't think I've ever seen anything like this before. I love to work with charcoal and graphite but the level of DETAIL in this...very few people could ever achieve. It is a delight to behold. Bravo!

:clap:

[walden]

This is just wonderful, and I really appreciate your compositional explanation of your thought processes-- very helpful to those of us learning. Thank you for posting this!

[Victor]

I am knocked out by this, ( absolutely gobsmacked) as I am with all your other work I've seen. You are definately the master.

Victor....
:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

[G.L. Hoff]

Lovely work...

To me, the most important thing about this piece (besides the high quality of your rendering) is your stated emphasis on planning the work. It's often said that paintings are best made before the brush touches canvas, but that old chestnut is equally valid for works in charcoal, pastel, graphite, etc.

I always enjoy seeing your work.

Regards

[Allan Jameson]

J D....absolutely stunning....know how you feel when you are shopping for your "models":D you have got to have that perfect piece....also agree with composition and setup....I always saythat your composition and setup can take longer than the actual painting but it is worth it ,and planning ahead is essentiall.

[pampe]

BEYOND GOBSMACKED

It's an honor to be in your cyberspace.....hang around, please:D

Pam

[ArtistEnigma]

Wow, J. D. Hillberry. I can't believe that you're on wetcanvas. I just realized it tonight but I guess you've been on for some time now. You've been one of my favorite artists since I was young. Your work inspired a lot of my graphite works. I feel starstruck.

[J. D. Hillberry]

Originally posted by ArtistEnigma
You've been one of my favorite artists since I was young.

Hey! That would make up both old!!

Seriously. Thanks for the compliment. Wet Canvas is full of extremely gifted artists that are willing to share their knowledge. I love it here.

J. D.

[Chelle]

WOW! Oh, WOW! This is so stunningly beautiful! I can't believe I'm in raptures over onions!!! (Preparing the evening meal will never be the same again).