This week I continued working on Still Life for an upcoming exhibit. I found some great avocados and cherry tomatoes in my kitchen and went in search of a shiny metal pitcher for reflections. I only found this pedestal bowl, which would be perfect for a fresh batch of Guacamole. I wanted to continue the practice with the lace but liked the idea of the red and green against the black and white checks. I challenged myself to make the avocado NOT look like a pear, but that may be a lost cause. I did end up with a wonderful glazing layered effect and learned a lot.   ( After I was finished, I happened to think I shoulda used my glass pitcher filled with sangria... maybe not a good idea after all....)

I've spent the past year getting settled in our new home and re-learning how to paint. My new cubby actually has windows and the best morning light, so I look forward to early weekend mornings with coffee and watercolor. I've been working on developing landscape techniques but took a break and began work on this still life for an upcoming exhibit. I used a reference photo for the lace but made my own design and simplified the pitcher.  The reference photo was striking in color, with a grey background and colorful fruit. I printed it in black and white so I could concentrate on the contour of the fabric. The detail in the lace shows strands of lace folded behind which helps to bring out the dimension in the lace. I used one of my own photos of a metal gravy boat and quilt to guide me in achieving the metallic look and reflections in the pitcher. (Not quite there yet, but heading in the right direction I think) Of course, pears are always fun and a great way to loosen up after painting tree branches. Painting the lace became like a very complex doodle and was in a way very relaxing. (It is hard to fret over work when you are concentrating that hard!)