The Effects of Orange on Blue, 2022

The Effects of Orange on Blue, 2022, oil on panel, 24"x36"

The Effects of Orange on Blue

I began this still life about a month ago with the idea to set a few blue ceramic pieces against a dark ground.  I initially composed the piece very asymmetrically hoping for an atmospheric effect.  You can see in the video the various changes I made.  The asymmetry just did not work, nor did the large cobalt vase.  Oranges were changed out, hyacinths became daffodils and forsythia to balance the oranges.  The size of the glass cobalt vase decreased and increased.  At this point I believe I'm ready to settle in with finishing.  Oh, yellow is a bugger to use over indigo.  LOL 

Back in the Saddle Again

 

Toward the Horizon (WIP), 24"x36"

I've been away from my studio for 6 1/2 weeks in Imperial Beach and Mexico City.  The daily sunset show was so awesome and inspiring that I committed to producing a really large image rather than the small 6x12's I usually make.  This is hardly finished.  The water is only blocked in.  I need to bring oranges into it in order to keep a balance between sky and water.  Just to prove my inspiration below is the untouched photo.  

Imperial Beach, CA

The Baltimore Oriole with Oranges

Baltimore Oriole with Oranges #1, 2021, Oil on Panel, 12"x12"

Baltimore Oriole with Oranges #2, 2021, Oil on Panel, 12"x12"

 

Baltimore Orioles, Works in Progress

 

 I did not contend with the branch today as planned.  Rather, I applied the second coat of the ground,  The studio light reflection creates some glare that inhibits a true reading of the color.  This is indigo blue that transitions from a pure chroma in the top to a faint tint at the bottom.  The ground color is essential in setting the other colors.  

Prepping for January

 

     

As I continue daily work on Hydrangeas in Autumn, I need to prepare some work for the Marion Art Center's member show.  This work is due for submission January 3, 2021.  The two works above are 12"x12", oil on panel.  It's different working on a small area of a piece each day.  Yesterday I filled in the birds.  Today I think I will attempt to add a few leaves and color to the branches.  

Hydrangeas in Autumn, Oil on Panel, 24"x 36" Work in Progress

The last several days I have been working on the center bottom blossom.  I've used a new color mixture which you see in the pinkish blossoms.  I may use this color in other areas to help move the eye around the composition.  Almost ready for the leaves that sit in front of blossoms.  

November Work

Gallic Rooster, 2021, Oil on Panel, 12"x12"

Just a couple of Christmas gifts this month along with plugging at the Hydrangeas inch by inch.  

In Memoriam, 2021, Oil on Panel 10"x10"