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by Bethany | January 18, 2019

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Recently in my class at the Amarillo Art Institute, my students asked for some still life instruction.  My current work centers around landscapes but still life paintings are near and dear to my heart.  I was happy to grab a sack of apples at the grocer and create some small works to demonstrate.

I find that working from life is especially helpful with a still life arrangement.  I stand when I paint and it is often hard to find a table tall enough for me to view the setup at or near eye level. Luckily, the art institute has a perfect still life table (and one I’d love to build myself for my own studio) and away we went! Anyone have a great solution for tall tables?  I’ve looked into building my own but haven’t found quite the right thing…

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I love to group in odd numbers (singles, threes, and fives, etc.) as it is more pleasing to the eye and creates less static compositions.  In photography, this is called The Rule of Odds.

This can be incorporated not only into your still life work, but in your landscape and figurative work as well.  Groups of three of five force you to think asymmetrically which leads to weight and contrast.  You’re creating dynamics and rhythm in your painting!

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Beginning with a light sketch of the subjects (I used graphite) I began using notes of grayed green to vibrant turquoise and creamy whites to build up the apples from the darkest values to the lightest. I wish I had photos of each step and hope to add a lesson on this over on my Patreon page! I generally don’t paint the backgrounds until my subject is close to finished and I can better read the color temperature needed.  I’ll also move to another area of the painting when I’m stumped (and need my brain to problem-solve) or “satisfied enough” to move on until the finishing touches are added. Marking those last few highlights is always a wonderful feeling.  A sparkle in just the right spot makes the painting come alive.

I think painting apples may be as healthy as eating them! It sure makes my spirit happy. 🙂

xoxo

Bethany

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