|
|
by Mark Willenbrink
Text by Mary Willenbrink
Painting a simple still-life arrangement is a good way to examine the effects of light and shadows. A cardboard box or wood panels can be used to form the walls for your still-life. An adjustable desk lamp is useful for creating a clear light source. In this demonstration, the light source is from the extreme left, casting long shadows to the right.
|
|
|
MATERIALS
Surface - 9" x 12" (23cm x 30cm) canvas on board
Paints - Burnt Sienna, Cadmium Yellow Light, Cerulean Blue, Magenta, Sap Green, Titanium White, Yellow Ochre
Brushes -
no. 8 or 1/2-inch (12mm) flat
no. 2 or 1/4-inch (6mm) filbert
no. 4 or 5/16-inch (8mm) filbert
no. 4 rigger
|
Other Supplies - Palette, brush wash with water, palette knife, rag, easel, 3 pears, 3 wood panels or a cardboard box, adjustable desk lamp
Optional Supplies - Thinner, medium, palette cups, mahlstick, smock or apron
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Apply a Ground
Use a rag to apply diluted Burnt Sienna over the painting surface to create a light, transparent ground.
|
|
|
|
 |
Sketch the Pears
Use a no. 4 filbert and Burnt Sienna to sketch the shape of the pears including the stems.
|
ALLA PRIMA
This technique derives its name from the Italian, meaning "at first." To use this method, quickly paint the painting, in general, as it will appear when it is completed. After laying down the structure and colors, add details to complete it.
|
|
|
|
 |
Add Structure and Shadow Lines
Add lines indicating the box structure and lines for the shadows incuding those on the pears.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paint the Pears
Mix Cadmium Yellow Light, Sap Green, Cerulean Blue, Titanium White, Magenta and Burnt Sienna to create a range of warm green colors. Use a no. 4 filbert to paint the pears.
|
DIRECT OR INDIRECT?
Quick, single application painting techniques, such as "alla prima." are considered "direct painting," whereas techniques that require multiple layers, such as glazing, are termed "indirect painting."
|
|
|
Paint the Shadow Areas of the Sides and Bottom
Mix Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, Titanium White, Cerulean Blue and Magenta to create a range of warm brown colors. Use a no. 8 flat to paint this color in the individual regions of the shadows.
|
|
|
|
| Add the Lighter Areas of the Sides and Bottom
Mix a range of tan colors with Titanium White, Yellow Ochre, Magenta and Burnt Sienna, then paint the bottom and sides with a no. 8 flat and no. 4 filbert.
|
|
|
 |
Add Subtle Darks
With a no. 4 filbert, add Burnt Sienna in the shadows. Use a no. 2 filbert for the pear stems.
|
|
|
 |
Add Lighter Areas to the Pears
Add warm greens to the pears with mixtures of Titanium White, Cadmium Yellow Light and Sap Green and a no. 4 filbert. Smooth the form of the pears during the process.
|
 |
|
 |
Still Life With Pears, oil on canvas mounted on board, 9" x 12" (23cm x 30cm)
|
 |
Add Highlights and Adjustments
Add highlights to the pears with Titanium White and make minor adjustments such as adding highlights and ights to the nearest stem. Let the paint dry, then add your signature with a no. 4 rigger.
|
Pear Still Life
by Mark Willenbrink
Text by Mary Willenbrink
|
|
|
|
|
|
This project is from the book, "Oil Painting for the Absolute Beginner: A Clear and Easy Guide to Successful Oil Painting" by Mark and Mary Willenbrink, published by North Light Books, an imprint of F + W Media, Inc. Reprinted with permission of the publisher. All steps included. Artwork and Text Copyright 2012 by Mark and Mary Willenbrink. All Rights Reserved. PLEASE RESPECT COPYRIGHTS.
|
|
