How I Paint Still Lifes

Legumes

I begin my paintings by stretching my own canvases. Pre-stretched canvases can be purchased but I enjoy the ritual of stretching my own. I then coat it with acrylic gesso.

I have been told that I am not a painter of paintings, but rather, a painter of drawings. I usually spend most of my time and energy on the drawings.

When the gesso is dry on the canvas and the drawing is complete, I transfer the drawing to the canvas. I do this with graphite paper. The drawing is with pencil so when I transfer I use a ball point pen retracing the pencil lines. This way I can be sure I don't miss anything.

After the picture is transferred to the canvas I paint it with watered down acrylic paint. I will either use complementary colors or a color I feel will give the painting life and vibrance. When the acrylic is dry I paint in thin layers with oil paint.

I make my palettes out of a piece of cardboard about 12 x 16 covered with freezer wrap paper, shiny side up. I can work several paintings at one time this way.In between painting rounds I cover my palette with plastic wrap. This will keep my palette workable for up to a week. I usually don't need any more time than that.I pre-mix my palette. Every color or color variation I will use is pre-mixed.

 I mix all my own colors from eight basic colors. Cadmium Red, Alizarin Crimson, Ultra Marine Blue, Pthalo Blue, Cadmium Yellow, Zinc Yellow, Zinc white and Burnt Umber. I usually know exactly what I want. ( That doesn't mean I get exactly what I want , but I know what I am aiming for ). I leave myself room to allow the painting to dictate it's own needs . Sometimes you must allow the painting to paint itself.

When I paint I hold the canvas in my lap, I don't use an easel. When the canvas is large and I need to paint the top half I turn the canvas upside down. Then paint upside down.