July 20, 2013
What to Paint?
That is a big question. Maybe it is just me, but it takes me a lot of time to figure out what to paint. I am embarrassed to admit how many photos I have, over 10,000, always looking for something interesting. I like best to paint from life and have acquired so many "props", another something I am a little embarrassed to admit. I'll include the tip of the iceberg in a few photos. I have vases galore, shoes, rubber duckies, perfume bottles, boxes...... could I be a hoarder? I love flowers, too, but at least I don't store them. I always have vases of flowers around, anyway.
(Fortunately, I have a lot of shelves in my studio)
Yes, that is a jar of olives behind the ducks
Wherever I go, I look for interesting props. I recently discovered a great place in Richmond called "Out on a Whim - Antiques & Whimsies." (address: Heritage Antiques Mall, 7521 Staples Mill Road, Richmond, VA 23228.) I even put in an order with the lovely owner for a mint julep cup, something I painted while in a class and it seemed like such a good idea for flower paintings. The reflective surface looked so nice with hydrangeas.
I was hunting for a cute teapot for awhile, then it was blue-green canning jars. Donuts were a good subject , but the calories were adding up. Hershey kisses were fun to paint, then eat.
Constant reminder to myself: Design/composition is the most important step. Think values and shapes.
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This sounds like a lot of fun. I've always wanted to paint and tried my hand at it briefly.
ReplyDeleteYour blog in the UBC has whetted my appetite to do it some more.
I had never thought about finding "props'. I could see that tripling the fun as it would be fun to search for props, arrange props and then paint props.
Oh my, I'm getting excited about it already.
Thank you,
Kathy
kathyhadleylifecoach.com
Visiting from UBC
I hope you get started with your painting again. I just love it and that is why I even like writing about painting on my blog. It helps me, too, by staying aware of what's important to keep improving. Thanks for looking.
DeleteGreat post, Carol. What fun, seeing all (well, not ALL) your still life props! We ought to have a Still Life Prop Lending Library. Then we could all spend more time painting and less time shopping!
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant idea to have a Still Life Prop Lending Library! How was your class with Carol Marine?
DeleteI'm a bit of a hoearder myself, when it comes to reference pics, but I ususally don't have any problems coming up with things to paint :)
ReplyDeleteYou always have such creative paintings! Your technique is flawless.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your blog so much today. It was so uplifting. Plus you got me started on the Ultimate Blog Challenge. Even though it is day 20, I jumped in anyway.
DeleteSo great to see you there. You're blogs are so you! I love the way you describe your process and your studio.
DeleteI will have to check this place out in Richmond. Small world... you, Karen, me - all so close and connected by drops of paint. ~Hobby
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment. I visited you blog and became a follower, lots of creative things going on. I've got to try that black board idea. I love pinterest, too, and pinned from your blog board. I will visit again.
ReplyDelete