Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Pure Peach



I'm really pleased with how this one turned out. I wanted to be confident enough to go dark. I love the drama of that high contrast, so I began with a black background and my intent was to remain dark enough in the shadows, that the lights really popped. Sometimes all goes as I envisioned and this was one of those joyous times! 
Thought I'd share the steps with you.
 
As I said, I began with a background of black gesso that was dry.

 
I placed my peaches where I wanted them and began with my lightest/brightest colors. Wow! You can already see the drama begin to develop.

 
I continued to add color and develop the form of the fruit. 

 
I was happy to see the peaches really beginning to glow. My plan was working.

 
On to the background. A few tweaks...and the piece is finished.
Oil on panel, 6" x 6", $100 (with free display easel) + shipping
or contact brenda@brendaferguson.com
at

5 comments:

  1. The Muse of The DaySeptember 7, 2011 at 7:11 AM

    This painting is so successful, Brenda. I enlarged it on my screen so I could better see all the movement in your brushstrokes and W-O-W ... it is amazing. That little black edge on the upper right peach, right next to the vibrant highlight had me with my nose to the screen (kind of like when I see a Van Gogh in person - I love it from afar, but can't resist coming right up to it). I am sure you are very, very excited about this one. The demo, for me, is just icing on an already delicious cake cake. Thank you for sharing it. Carolina

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  2. Fay TerrySeptember 7, 2011 at 8:31 AM

    Hey Brenda, terrific painting-I love it. I should call you the Drama Queen (in a good way of course). I'm so glad you shared the steps. What did you use to draw with?
    Sometimes I feel like I'm in a rut and this will be something new to try. Thanks for sharing.

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  3. AngeliSeptember 7, 2011 at 8:48 AM

    Brenda,
    Wow, those peaches look positively juicy! Don't you just want to take a bite?? Nice work!
    By the way, my third graders will be learning about warm and cool colors next week and painting sunflowers. Would it be okay with you if I show them a few of your sunflower paintings? They are great examples of how those warm colors pop out against a cool background!
    Happy painting today!

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  4. suzanneberrySeptember 7, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    juicy, tasty and bold! beautiful and a joy to watch it grow on the canvas.

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  5. ACrewsSeptember 21, 2011 at 10:06 AM

    Great demo! I love your work!

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