Bottle with Apples

10"x8" acrylic on masonite

This painting was a joy to paint. It was fun focusing on the variety of shadows and tones in this piece. I found each apple to be so unique. Each had its own shape, color and details. Really looking forward to painting another one like this. I decided to add a few photos to demonstrate the steps of my painting.

I made this box out of foam core to block outside light.

By doing this I can easily control the light source on my subject.

Underpainting

Roughed in some darker colors to build lighter colors on

Added shadows and mid tones

I finished the painting with the lightest colors, details and highlights.

Painted glass ornament

Oskar

10"x8" acrylic on Masonite

This is a commissioned painting of Oskar. I really enjoyed myself with this one. The dogs owner says this pose shows Oskar's personality. He doesn't like taking photos. When Oskar gets upset he gives this look and his nose starts to run, kind of like he is saying "don't mess with me man".

It felt good painting in acrylic again. Kind of like I was away from home and now I have returned. It was fun trying the oils again but honestly, I find the acrylics to be more fun and fitting for my style of painting. I am sure I will try the oils again in the future but for now I am happy with my acrylics.

Painted glass ornaments

I have had many commissions for these painted glass ornaments. I have a couple more to do before
Christmas. They are fun, but very tedious. Painting on a glass sphere has its share of challenges. I will be happy when they are all done.

Apple 3

6"x6" oil on masonite

Kind of missing my acrylics. They just may be the best medium for me? I think I may go back to them. Lately I have been very busy working on Christmas commissions. I will post some soon.

Apple 2

6"x6" oil on masonite

Apple

6"x6" oil on masonite

Its been over 12 years since I have painted in oils. When I started painting again, about 2 years ago. I decided it would be best to paint with acrylic. My reasoning for using acrylic paint was because my studio was located directly next to the furnace. For that reason, I didn't want to be working with the fumes of oil.

Since then I have discovered these water soluble oils. They don't need the flammable solvents like turpentine that traditional oils do. They thin with water, and a special linseed oil. I decided to pick some up this week and give them a try.

I am not sure if I like them or not yet? I do like the fact that unlike acrylics, I can blend the colors. I also like that my pallet does not dry out. The colors also go on and dry the way I want them too. It took me a while to get the hang of it, but I learned a lot today. I am looking forward to my next painting in oils.

If anybody has used these paints or is currently using them, I would love to hear your thoughts...

Gage

8"x10" acrylic on masonite

Another commission finished. Now I just need to frame it.

Self Portrait

5"x7" acrylic on masonite

Today my boss had me do some portraits at work for an upcoming event. I really enjoyed getting away from the computer and picking up a pencil again. This inspired me to go home and do a self portrait. Thanks Joe!

I began roughing in a likeness with raw umber. As I got further along with my painting I thought to myself "this could be a cool facebook profile pic". So I did a bit of refining and some shading and here it is. I may add color to this one in the future but for now like it just the way it is. I think its kind of cool.

Cuddling Pears

6"x6" acrylic on masonite

I have been spending more time than usual on these little paintings, but I don't feel that I am wasting my time. What I have been concentrating on doing is observing the color more closely and thinking about the placement and value of my brushstrokes. My goal isn't to paint a pretty picture, its to learn from the exercise and developing my skills as a painter.

One thing I learned from this painting is that its ok to leave out some of the details. I found myself painting in every subtle highlight and dimple of the red pear. The more detail I put in, the more I hated it. So, I decided to paint over the red pear and approach it a bit simpler. I squinted at the pear to simplify it and break it down into blocks of color. It didn't take much to get it to look right. Just concentrated on where I put the color. This time I limited the details and only added the highlights that stood out the most.

In the end I am happy with the results.