From the Artist: This is my attempt at a still life with crystal and fruit (lemons in this
instance). I enjoyed doing this painting as it was a challenge. My husband told me if I could paint glass that looked like glass he would call me an artist. What do you think?
From the Painting Guide: Well, if he's not calling you an artist now, then I'd flick some paint on his best suit.
Things to Consider When Looking at This Painting:
Painting Glass: It's tricky to paint glass because it takes most of its color from what's around it and you have to observe this closely while overriding your intellectual brain's desire to "paint glass". I think you've done this beautifully in this painting, observing the strange shapes of the colors of the lemon, lace, and dark background in the glass and using these to build up the form.
Shadows: I think the shadow on the crystal jar is well painted -- delicate as matches the object casting it but at the same time anchored firmly and believably to the object. I wonder whether the lace ought to have a slightly darker shadow, perhaps with a bit of the blue from the crystal in it? The shadow on the right lemon, however, feels a little odd and harsh to me. I think I'd soften the left-hand edge of it so it doesn't cast such a strong curve.
See Also:
• How to Paint Glass
• Hard and Soft Edges
From the Painting Guide: Well, if he's not calling you an artist now, then I'd flick some paint on his best suit.
Things to Consider When Looking at This Painting:
Painting Glass: It's tricky to paint glass because it takes most of its color from what's around it and you have to observe this closely while overriding your intellectual brain's desire to "paint glass". I think you've done this beautifully in this painting, observing the strange shapes of the colors of the lemon, lace, and dark background in the glass and using these to build up the form.
Shadows: I think the shadow on the crystal jar is well painted -- delicate as matches the object casting it but at the same time anchored firmly and believably to the object. I wonder whether the lace ought to have a slightly darker shadow, perhaps with a bit of the blue from the crystal in it? The shadow on the right lemon, however, feels a little odd and harsh to me. I think I'd soften the left-hand edge of it so it doesn't cast such a strong curve.
See Also:
• How to Paint Glass
• Hard and Soft Edges