Monday, March 2, 2009

Recent Still Life


I've been very busy as of late, on a lot of different matters, both art-related and not. Therefore, I haven't had an entry here in a couple of weeks.

This is a Still Life ( in Oils ) that I have been working on for a while now, tweaking, glazing and adjusting. It's one I did for my daughter's kitchen, matching some of her decor colors.

She and her husband just purchased their first home last May and did some re-modeling throughout. She mentioned that she needed a painting to complete the kitchen area ( a hint for ol' Dad ), so this is what I came up with. It was done with a "grisaille" underpainting ( in shades of gray ) then glazed with color. Similar to an old Master's approach.

This is a technique that I love to employ when I want a more realistic end result.

7 comments:

Mikes1024 said...

Hi Wilson, great still life. In my very short career as a painter I've done a few still lifes. I really like the subject and color (your daughter has good taste). Take care, Michael.

Wilson said...

Hi Michael,
Actually, still life is one of my favorite subject matters. ( a very close second to painting birds and other animals )
I like to render almost photorealistic renditions in my still lifes. I think it has to do with the influence of the great painters of the 16th and 17th centuries.

Anonymous said...

This is wonderful Wilson! I love the composition, colour and the way you captured the light. Your daughter is very lucky!...Can you do one for me now? LOL ;) Keep those brushes moving!

Dawn

Anonymous said...

This is a beautiful painting. I have missed seeing your works! (:

Wilson said...

Thanks, Dawn and Christy. I thought I'd better get something else posted again or you'd all forget me! lol There's just been sooo much going on lately. I am now working on a rather detailed commission, so my "free" painting time is pretty much on hold 'til I finish that. The client has brought me an old photo of his mother standing in front of her childhood home. She appears to be maybe 10 or 11 years of age at the time. ( I believe she's in her 90's now, or close ) Perhaps I'll post it when it's finished, if the client doesn't object. I would never do it without his consent.

Nic said...

I've got an old "Fire-In!" in which you were the featured artist with a project that month and it was a still life similar to this one. I love that classic look!

Do you set up a still life to work from life or do you photograph it and work from that?

Wilson said...

Believe it or not, I work from my imagination. I just pick a particular vase or pitcher in my mind and dream it all up. I've always said I was going to set up an actual arrangement and use that, but it just seems too literal for me. I like the liberty to be able to do it "off the cuff".
( and yes, I remember that old issue of "Fire In". lol )