Thank you for this post Beth. Lovely still life and the story of your unfinished outline. I am so inspired that you post every Friday a post and so dedicated in your work. We always have more to learn and that is when passion in our work shows. Keep up my artist friend.
Thank you so much, Dita! I always appreciate your support. I've committed to posting every Friday, so it definitely keeps me painting and writing. And I wholeheartedly agree that there's always more to learn.
I love your joy in the painting! While my artistic talents are in calligraphy, I used to improvise lettering styles a lot or play with different strokes. I was thinking you might enjoy trying the shoulder/end of the brush technique as an improvisation on the canvas with no intention of what you are creating to play with just the new technique. Meanwhile, thank you for always sharing your creative process!
Hi Susan, I always appreciate your comments; you are so insightful. I didn't know you work in calligraphy! That's another great art form that's truly beautiful.
You make an excellent point about getting used to the end-of-the-brush technique. Maybe getting used to practicing with this kind of technique on a canvas where less is at stake would help me a lot. I'm going to try this.
I'm happy to share my creative process. Thank you for coming along on the ride!
Beth, you are a woman who dares to risk it all -- the deepest parts of your being go onto the canvas. You reminded me today that embracing the student aspect of artistry may be even more important than the artistry itself.
I love the wet on wet look of the objects in this work. And I love your curiosity and willingness to keep learning. That's what keeps me going too, and your piece underscores that for me. Thank you, as always, for your insightful commentary and sharing your wonderful creations.
I appreciate your comment so much! I am so glad I took the risk and ventured into this new-to-me genre of oil painting. You and I are both kindred spirits and we are lifelong learners and students of the crafts we so love.
I do believe, like you, that the student aspect of artistry might be more crucial than the actual artistry. Being a student of life, which involves maintaining a never-ending curiosity, is so important. We always have something to learn, and I think this is essential to grow in our crafts.
When I read this, I can feel your enjoyment in learning this new painting technique. It's challenging to learn new techniques, I'm sure. Before you know it, you'll feel more comfortable with the process, including holding the brush and using your shoulder more. And how fun to have your daughter right there to critique! Plus, finishing a painting in one sitting has to be nice - though challenging, too, I'm sure. How long did it take you to finish it?
The highlighting adds a lot. I think you're talking about how the onion and lemon look like they have shiny spots. That's a nice touch and adds a lot.
Great job on your first attempt! Thank you for sharing and teaching us about this new painting process. We are learning a lot from you.
Yes, I have been enjoying this new technique -- more than I thought I would. I'm going to try another still life this week and see if I can improve. No pressure! -- Ha!
Yes, the shiny areas on both the onion and the fruit are the reflection of the light.
My daughter is a great sounding board, although she sometimes scolds me LOL! She's a lot bolder than me. I'm more cautious, whereas she jumps right in and starts artwork fearlessly.
From start to finish, the painting took three hours. (Generally, I take 2 hours to paint an entire paint layer for a larger landscape painting.) I think it took me longer on this small painting because I was less confident and paused a lot. Once I got going, it was quicker.
Creating this still life was easy and difficult at the same time. It was easy to add colors to the fruit (with the exception of the bottom of the red onion), as well as the background and foreground colors. But the precision of the shapes and the brush-holding exercise were difficult.
Beth, this is so interesting. I've never heard of alla prima painting and I am also interested in this technique of holding the brush at the tip. I love this new painting!
Hi Pamela, thank you so very much for your compliment about this painting. Overall, I'm pleased with it. I'm going to try and include a vase sometime. I don't have a lot of room for an elaborate still life setup, but I will do my best.
I'm really loving alla prima, and this new information I'm learning will really improve my painting style, I think.
As I read your post, I kept remembering when I had done the exact same thing. But I can't recall being brave enough to attempt this method, and I never let others know about it in a post. Good show!!
Thank you, Dawn. As a fellow artist, you know what goes into crafting a piece of art. It's a very involved but fun process. I don't know if I'm brave or foolhardy in sharing my drafts! LOL
Beth, your honesty about the struggle with holding the brush correctly really resonated with me. It's funny how often the most basic things turn out to be the hardest! I love how you didn't just gloss over that part, but really dug into it, the hand cramps and all. It reminds me that growth isn't always elegant or smooth. Sometimes it's messy and awkward, full of "wonky fingers," as you so perfectly put it. But that's where the real learning happens, right? It's in those moments of frustration and persistence that we truly push ourselves and expand our abilities. And the fact that you're still going to keep trying to hold the brush differently, despite the challenges, is incredibly inspiring. It's a testament to your commitment to growth and your willingness to step outside your comfort zone. 🩵
Thank you for your comment; I so appreciate it. You are so right about growth not always being attractive. I'm sure a much more experienced artist would wince at how I was painting, but like you say, that is how learning takes place. You are exactly right. When I used to teach English, I noticed that right before students' learning growth took place, they were brought to a feeling of discomfort. I believe that sometimes we needd that discomfort before we grow in our learning.
Like you, I'm a fighter. I don't easily give up, and I will be trying to hold the brush correctly again and again -- until I get it right.
I appreciate your words of encouragement. Thank you!
Awesome job at your first attempt! You’re lucky to have your own in-house art critic, too! One of the things I’ve been doing lately are upside down light studies. It helps me to see values more clearly. Alla prima paintings help me, too. Keep on going! It does take time to get used to brushstrokes and learning how to use your shoulder, I struggle with that myself. Keep it up!
Thank you so much, Alene! I've thought about doing paintings upside down, but I'm unfamiliar with upside down light studies. What does that entail?
I so appreciate your encouragement. I will keep going. So much of this is new; I feel like I've been partly living under a rock.
I am so grateful to my daughter for helping me improve my artwork. But sometimes she's very critical, and that's the downside to it. We quibble about a lot of things, and sometimes I feel like using the I-am-older-and-wiser card, but I don't. She does have good insights.
Light studies are a way to see the values and also follow the path of light through the subject. You look at the reference photo upside down while painting. It helps your brain be less distracted by what it thinks the light should be doing.
I have never heard of this technique before. Your painting looks terrific, Beth, and I love the highlighting you added. Great first attempt I must say, and the onion and lemon look so realistic.
Thank you, kindly, Nancy. Your comment means a lot to me -- especially since you are out and about sightseeing! Part of me wants to master alla prima, but truth be told, almost nothing can be mastered, as it's all part of a learning process.
Beth thank you for sharing here. There’s so much to love about this post. First the idea that we could and really should, be students for life. Let’s just start there. Both of us having been full on dedicated university teachers, it’s now inspiring for me to know we can rebalance the equilibrium and come forward as curious students. The painting you produced is gorgeous and shimmers with glowy color and textures—a truly successful and exciting first attempt. And I love the detail you provide with trying different positions until you found the range of motion you were seeking. I had no idea that you paint using your shoulder muscles instead of your wrist. Best wishes with this new method Beth and continued growth and success!
Yes, we should always consider ourselves students for life. As university instructors, we spent so much time and effort teaching our students to be lifelong learners and to be curious about all sorts of ideas and things their entire life. And I know this part of teaching was integral and gratifying to us.
But, as we know, even teachers are students. We need to keep that lifelong learning philosophy in our mind always, because we are all students. For me, not trying new things would leave me stagnant. Learning alla prima painting has been life-changing for me.
Thank you for your nice comment on my painting. I tried my best with it, and it was so much fun, that I feel I'm getting mesmerized and addicted to alla prima. I will be working on my range of motion and holding the paint brush as correctly as I can.
Thank you for this post Beth. Lovely still life and the story of your unfinished outline. I am so inspired that you post every Friday a post and so dedicated in your work. We always have more to learn and that is when passion in our work shows. Keep up my artist friend.
Thank you so much, Dita! I always appreciate your support. I've committed to posting every Friday, so it definitely keeps me painting and writing. And I wholeheartedly agree that there's always more to learn.
I love your joy in the painting! While my artistic talents are in calligraphy, I used to improvise lettering styles a lot or play with different strokes. I was thinking you might enjoy trying the shoulder/end of the brush technique as an improvisation on the canvas with no intention of what you are creating to play with just the new technique. Meanwhile, thank you for always sharing your creative process!
Hi Susan, I always appreciate your comments; you are so insightful. I didn't know you work in calligraphy! That's another great art form that's truly beautiful.
You make an excellent point about getting used to the end-of-the-brush technique. Maybe getting used to practicing with this kind of technique on a canvas where less is at stake would help me a lot. I'm going to try this.
I'm happy to share my creative process. Thank you for coming along on the ride!
Beth, your enthusiasm is contagious! It's great to see you trying new techniques and enjoying the process.
Thank you, Marie! I so appreciate your supportive comments and your including my posts on your weekly Round Ups. I really love what I'm doing.
It shows in your work Beth - and in your writing
Beth, you are a woman who dares to risk it all -- the deepest parts of your being go onto the canvas. You reminded me today that embracing the student aspect of artistry may be even more important than the artistry itself.
I love the wet on wet look of the objects in this work. And I love your curiosity and willingness to keep learning. That's what keeps me going too, and your piece underscores that for me. Thank you, as always, for your insightful commentary and sharing your wonderful creations.
Hi Stephanie,
I appreciate your comment so much! I am so glad I took the risk and ventured into this new-to-me genre of oil painting. You and I are both kindred spirits and we are lifelong learners and students of the crafts we so love.
I do believe, like you, that the student aspect of artistry might be more crucial than the actual artistry. Being a student of life, which involves maintaining a never-ending curiosity, is so important. We always have something to learn, and I think this is essential to grow in our crafts.
Hi Beth,
When I read this, I can feel your enjoyment in learning this new painting technique. It's challenging to learn new techniques, I'm sure. Before you know it, you'll feel more comfortable with the process, including holding the brush and using your shoulder more. And how fun to have your daughter right there to critique! Plus, finishing a painting in one sitting has to be nice - though challenging, too, I'm sure. How long did it take you to finish it?
The highlighting adds a lot. I think you're talking about how the onion and lemon look like they have shiny spots. That's a nice touch and adds a lot.
Great job on your first attempt! Thank you for sharing and teaching us about this new painting process. We are learning a lot from you.
Hi Nancy,
Yes, I have been enjoying this new technique -- more than I thought I would. I'm going to try another still life this week and see if I can improve. No pressure! -- Ha!
Yes, the shiny areas on both the onion and the fruit are the reflection of the light.
My daughter is a great sounding board, although she sometimes scolds me LOL! She's a lot bolder than me. I'm more cautious, whereas she jumps right in and starts artwork fearlessly.
From start to finish, the painting took three hours. (Generally, I take 2 hours to paint an entire paint layer for a larger landscape painting.) I think it took me longer on this small painting because I was less confident and paused a lot. Once I got going, it was quicker.
Creating this still life was easy and difficult at the same time. It was easy to add colors to the fruit (with the exception of the bottom of the red onion), as well as the background and foreground colors. But the precision of the shapes and the brush-holding exercise were difficult.
Beth, this is so interesting. I've never heard of alla prima painting and I am also interested in this technique of holding the brush at the tip. I love this new painting!
Hi Pamela, thank you so very much for your compliment about this painting. Overall, I'm pleased with it. I'm going to try and include a vase sometime. I don't have a lot of room for an elaborate still life setup, but I will do my best.
I'm really loving alla prima, and this new information I'm learning will really improve my painting style, I think.
Hi Beth,
As I read your post, I kept remembering when I had done the exact same thing. But I can't recall being brave enough to attempt this method, and I never let others know about it in a post. Good show!!
Thank you, Dawn. As a fellow artist, you know what goes into crafting a piece of art. It's a very involved but fun process. I don't know if I'm brave or foolhardy in sharing my drafts! LOL
You are definitely brave, Beth. Don’t ever doubt it!
Thank you!
Beth, your honesty about the struggle with holding the brush correctly really resonated with me. It's funny how often the most basic things turn out to be the hardest! I love how you didn't just gloss over that part, but really dug into it, the hand cramps and all. It reminds me that growth isn't always elegant or smooth. Sometimes it's messy and awkward, full of "wonky fingers," as you so perfectly put it. But that's where the real learning happens, right? It's in those moments of frustration and persistence that we truly push ourselves and expand our abilities. And the fact that you're still going to keep trying to hold the brush differently, despite the challenges, is incredibly inspiring. It's a testament to your commitment to growth and your willingness to step outside your comfort zone. 🩵
Hi Alex,
Thank you for your comment; I so appreciate it. You are so right about growth not always being attractive. I'm sure a much more experienced artist would wince at how I was painting, but like you say, that is how learning takes place. You are exactly right. When I used to teach English, I noticed that right before students' learning growth took place, they were brought to a feeling of discomfort. I believe that sometimes we needd that discomfort before we grow in our learning.
Like you, I'm a fighter. I don't easily give up, and I will be trying to hold the brush correctly again and again -- until I get it right.
I appreciate your words of encouragement. Thank you!
Awesome job at your first attempt! You’re lucky to have your own in-house art critic, too! One of the things I’ve been doing lately are upside down light studies. It helps me to see values more clearly. Alla prima paintings help me, too. Keep on going! It does take time to get used to brushstrokes and learning how to use your shoulder, I struggle with that myself. Keep it up!
Thank you so much, Alene! I've thought about doing paintings upside down, but I'm unfamiliar with upside down light studies. What does that entail?
I so appreciate your encouragement. I will keep going. So much of this is new; I feel like I've been partly living under a rock.
I am so grateful to my daughter for helping me improve my artwork. But sometimes she's very critical, and that's the downside to it. We quibble about a lot of things, and sometimes I feel like using the I-am-older-and-wiser card, but I don't. She does have good insights.
Light studies are a way to see the values and also follow the path of light through the subject. You look at the reference photo upside down while painting. It helps your brain be less distracted by what it thinks the light should be doing.
Thanks! I've gotta try that.
I have never heard of this technique before. Your painting looks terrific, Beth, and I love the highlighting you added. Great first attempt I must say, and the onion and lemon look so realistic.
Thank you, kindly, Nancy. Your comment means a lot to me -- especially since you are out and about sightseeing! Part of me wants to master alla prima, but truth be told, almost nothing can be mastered, as it's all part of a learning process.
This is lovely Beth! I can't wait to see more of your creations.
Hi Rea,
Thank you so much for the compliment! I post every Friday morning, and most posts have my artwork.
I appreciate your visiting my Substack.
Beth thank you for sharing here. There’s so much to love about this post. First the idea that we could and really should, be students for life. Let’s just start there. Both of us having been full on dedicated university teachers, it’s now inspiring for me to know we can rebalance the equilibrium and come forward as curious students. The painting you produced is gorgeous and shimmers with glowy color and textures—a truly successful and exciting first attempt. And I love the detail you provide with trying different positions until you found the range of motion you were seeking. I had no idea that you paint using your shoulder muscles instead of your wrist. Best wishes with this new method Beth and continued growth and success!
Hi Gerry,
Yes, we should always consider ourselves students for life. As university instructors, we spent so much time and effort teaching our students to be lifelong learners and to be curious about all sorts of ideas and things their entire life. And I know this part of teaching was integral and gratifying to us.
But, as we know, even teachers are students. We need to keep that lifelong learning philosophy in our mind always, because we are all students. For me, not trying new things would leave me stagnant. Learning alla prima painting has been life-changing for me.
Thank you for your nice comment on my painting. I tried my best with it, and it was so much fun, that I feel I'm getting mesmerized and addicted to alla prima. I will be working on my range of motion and holding the paint brush as correctly as I can.