Friday, January 24, 2014

GLASS BEAR

Diane Mannion, GLASS BEAR, #25, 3.5x2.5" oil on linen/mounted

PAINTING UPSIDE DOWN

Season's storming ahead down here in not-quite-as-warm-as-we-like Florida.  Funny to see Canadians sunbathing when it's in the 60's!  Must have thicker blood than Floridians.

Used the photo of this glass bear (an old strawberry jam jar) printed in black and white for my students to paint from.  Had them work in one color upside down.  Helps trick the old brain into seeing shapes and values.  Draw what you see... not what you think you know!  A few students did their best work yet!

I had fun exaggerating color reflections in this painting.  Exciting when photo reference is used as a starting point and then TAKES ON A LIFE OF IT'S OWN!  (We are not giant copy machines!) 


2 comments:

Susan said...

I love these glass bear jars. I have several that I use for sugar and other staples. You've presented this one well...even capturing it's business-like personality. :)

Diane Mannion said...

Glad you like my bear, Susan! Thanks for commenting.