Contemporary Realism Painting of the Week: “Old Copper and Fruit”
By Pat Tribastone
A large assortment of miscellaneous bottles, jars, pots and glass sit on my studio shelves, waiting for the right mixture of items to spark my inspiration.
For “Old Copper and Fruit” it began with the peculiar flower found at the outdoor market.
Back in the studio I searched for items that would compliment the color and shape of the bud. Many of my props were collected from antique shops and estate sales, for these often have their own story to tell. As I am selecting the items, I am thinking about size, color, value, and how these items might interact to create the aesthetic that I’m imagining.
I play with the arrangement and the light in my still life box until I reach what looks like an engaging set up.
Working from both life and a photo (in case the flower wilts), I establish the drawing on my canvas. Working in layers, I start with a color block in which I brush back until all edges are soft. When dry, I begin to refine the shapes with multiple passes until I achieve a balance of color, shape, value and edges.
The painting then sits in the studio for a week or more while I consider, what more does it need???
See more contemporary realism paintings in oil and pastel at Patricia’s website: www.patriciatribastoneart.com.
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