From the Artist: This is my second attempt at still life. Mostly I've been painting from photos or pictures as reference. I found it so difficult to do the cloth. I kinda got a headache staring at the cloth and trying so hard that I felt it wasn't working. I wasn't sure on how to make the fold of the cloth come through. I would love to hear from you on what you think.
From the Painting Guide: Well, you're certainly someone up for a challenge, given what you've selected to include in your still life. Not only is there folded fabric and a reflective bowl, but also reflections of the fabric just to add to the challenge! Overall, I think you've got some really great things going on here, and it's a question of getting every part of the painting to the same level, then you'll have a wonderful painting.
Things to Consider When Looking at This Painting:
Fabric: The folds in the fabric towards the left feel more realistic than the ones on the right. Compare the way you've painted them, how hard and soft the edges of the folds are. I would softened some of the edges in the folds on the right, and made the tonal changes a bit more gradual, so the fabric doesn't look like it's got so much starch in it. Also, check the tone of the shadow on the fabric from the red apple, which is much darker than the shadow from the bowl.
Tonal Variation: Convert the photo of your painting into gray (see photo) and have a look at the tonal variation on the individual elements. See how the apple on the left has the tonal variation that gives it its sense of 3D form, whereas the oranges need a little more. They've got a very similar tone right across them, which makes them appear a bit flat, rather than round, despite the highlights. Also compare the tone of the background to that of the fruit, and think about whether you want them that close.
The Bowl: Wouldn't there be at least a little reflection of the grapefruit in the bowl? I'd also check the ellipses on the top of the bowl to that at its base stand. It feels a bit as if you're looking into the top of the bowl, but seeing the base from the side.
From the Painting Guide: Well, you're certainly someone up for a challenge, given what you've selected to include in your still life. Not only is there folded fabric and a reflective bowl, but also reflections of the fabric just to add to the challenge! Overall, I think you've got some really great things going on here, and it's a question of getting every part of the painting to the same level, then you'll have a wonderful painting.
Things to Consider When Looking at This Painting:
Fabric: The folds in the fabric towards the left feel more realistic than the ones on the right. Compare the way you've painted them, how hard and soft the edges of the folds are. I would softened some of the edges in the folds on the right, and made the tonal changes a bit more gradual, so the fabric doesn't look like it's got so much starch in it. Also, check the tone of the shadow on the fabric from the red apple, which is much darker than the shadow from the bowl.
Tonal Variation: Convert the photo of your painting into gray (see photo) and have a look at the tonal variation on the individual elements. See how the apple on the left has the tonal variation that gives it its sense of 3D form, whereas the oranges need a little more. They've got a very similar tone right across them, which makes them appear a bit flat, rather than round, despite the highlights. Also compare the tone of the background to that of the fruit, and think about whether you want them that close.
The Bowl: Wouldn't there be at least a little reflection of the grapefruit in the bowl? I'd also check the ellipses on the top of the bowl to that at its base stand. It feels a bit as if you're looking into the top of the bowl, but seeing the base from the side.