Navel-gazing

sold. (6x6in.)

I don't usually eat my props, but this orange was quite good. The tough thing about painting it though, was there were no real dark-dark values in the segments. The darkest, as you can see, is that one little bit in the shadow of the left-most segment. And it isn't nearly as dark as the darkest parts of the knife reflections/shadows. So I thought this was tough, but also pretty cool looking!

Molting

sold. (6x6in.)

It's been a long time since I peeled an orange and painted it. Five years, to be exact. Interested in seeing my history of orange paintings? This one is #149.

Cozy Up

sold

My husband and I escaped for a couple of romantic days in Portland. We love that we live so close! But we're glad we don't have to put up with the traffic and crowds every day. : )

Undressing in Front of the Mirror

sold

I went to our brand new Joanne's the other day and bought a whole slew (I love that word) of colored fabric. I felt sorry for the lady who cut it because I only needed 5/8 yard each of about 15 fabrics (sheepish grin). Anyway, I've actually been using it the last few days, but this is the first day I've draped it. It also works well for larger paintings - better than paper anyway.

"Assortment" - SOLD

This is my favorite of the oranges. I admit I did a little dance when I got that glow just right. The best way I have found to get that glow, is to put it in first. And make it bigger than it actually is. Then come back in with the "white" bits, (pith) and put that OVER the glow. That works for other things that glow too: grapes, flowers lit from behind, sliced citrus, etc.

"Denuded" - SOLD

Those white bits on the outside of a peeled orange are a super challenge. This is where I concentrate on squinting to an extreme and try to suggest the "white" bits and really focus on the difference in value/color of the WHOLE image, rather than only comparing two things right next to each other. Well, I always do this, but for this kind of subject I do it more. : )