Lately most of my paintings have been slow and detailed. Yesterday the urge was to simply loosen up and play with paint. Faux fruit and veggies were hastily arranged (too carelessly I'm afraid) and, giving myself a two hour time limit, I picked up the brush! The light was reflecting the red fabric onto the little pitcher in an exciting way. Guess I'm still seeing red from those roses!
Some years ago in a plein-air workshop with New England artist
Charles Movalli on a stormy stay-inside day, still life arrangements were set up for ala prima studies. In a critique of my work, Master (and he is) Movalli suggested I study the work of Leon Franks ( 1914-1970 ) as my style seemed to echo his! I was astounded since I had begun oil painting on my own as a teenager copying from old "how to" books by Leon Franks published by Walter Foster! Check the original price on the one I found on e-bay to show you!
This little still life reminded me of that long forgotten workshop and the teachings of Messrs. Movalli and Franks! This was fun and I wish I had handled the lighting and arrangement more carefully. If this were a serious piece, I would use real produce, not plastic and spend a lot more time with the set-up and lighting. As it was I happily moved paint this way and that and it felt good!
"It can't look like you've worked hard and long, even if you have. A painting should be done quickly with both your intellect and your nerves. When they give out, stop." (Charles Movalli)
They gave out - I stopped! Didn't go much over my time limit! Play time...I need more of that!
