Blue Hobnail Bowl and Fruit on Striped Cloth

The month is almost over and I've had only two posts. The reason is that I've changed my focus from painting small and often to working on a larger piece and teaching.  I'm giving myself time to explore this new opportunity of teaching, which I really enjoy. 

Below is my still life set-up including a hobnail bowl a friend Michelle Winnie gave me. 

I generally simplify my objects when painting and this bowl is far from simple. 

My drawing

The textures and colors of this bowl were complicated. I tried to suggest its' texture by putting only a few of the hobnails located on the outside of the bowl. To add more would have been too fussy. Instead, I concentrated on getting the look of glass.

Playing around with Animoto

Blue Hobnail Bowl and Fruit on Striped Cloth

Green Glasses and Plums

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The low light in winter makes it difficult to photograph paintings. Some artists have figured out how to set up lighting indoors. Here's an article Lighting Tips for Indoor Photography that's simple enough for even me to understand. I haven't tried it yet so today I shoveled my deck and used the Carol Marine method of photography. See Carol Marine's FAQ and scroll down to How do you photograph your paintings?.

Clear Glass Goblet, Orange and Cherry Tomatoes

I've been painting a lot of fruit and dishes as usual. Glass is the most fun and challenging of still life objects I have in my studio, except for metal. I've been more selective about activities other than painting and that's made a big difference in my being focused. I teach two days a week and love it.