Forelle

 

"Forelle" 6"x6" oil on panel $100

 

"If your paintings are overworked and fussy, this is the challenge for you"  I was two days in and still fussing with the still life! After eight sketches just about every bowl and cup I owned was sitting on my painting counter, an apple too but I ate that. And I just could not paint standing up, I was on my feet all day at work so I gave it a rest with a plan for the next day.

There was a storm warning and the grocery store was packed with people stocking up.  I was stocking up too - I bought pears with attractive stems, both Forelle and Anjou.  My favorites for their blush are Bartlett but there were none around.

I followed the directions -sketched first and used a 1/2" brush, mostly. I worked at getting the value just right with each stroke only altering a few as I adjusted the darks.  I stopped when I wanted to blend everything together and soften the edges. Standing went ok too.  I know it's better to paint standing, easier to step back, I just had to keep reminding myself not to lock my knees.

I like this little painting, it certainly was fun to do, I learned a lot.