Deep Purple Pitcher, Red Bowl and Plums

I've again set up my studio to paint by artificial light. In painting glass this summer I learned I could read colors pretty well by natural light. I loved using the morning light from my east window, but now that's not possible,  I've gone back to artificial light and I'm seeing things differently. It feels awkward. I've come to a decision to paint opaque objects like ceramics. Now my light falls on the objects instead of going through them and makes painting easier. I hope to feel more in control again.

Painting the Light

During the months of July and September I took an online class with Karen O'Neil painting glass using natural light. I set up my still lifes in my east window where the morning light was cooler and generally consistent between 10:00 and 12:30. These set ups were simple and understanding how the cool light affected their color temperature helped. The big take away of these classes was not to think of my still lifes as objects but as spots of color, one against another and let the color create the form.  For more information Hawthorne on Painting.

Red Bowl and Apple

Red Bowl with Plum on Blue Plate

Green Glass Plate oil sketch