An Abundance of Berries

Judy

Helen Eaton

Sylvia Young

Jean Nelson

This month's inspiration photos (there are two) were taken from one of those accidental still lifes that caught my attention.  At the market, I could not resist these organic fruits - strawberries and blackberries.  After washing them thoroughly (even though they were labeled ORGANIC), I set them out onto paper towels to dry.  I thought the sunlight on them made an interesting dynamic, so I snapped a few photos.  Paint all of the berries, or just do a portrait of one...

Ready to Eat

Ready to Eat, Too

I did adjust the lighting some in "Ready to Eat" so that I could see more detail in the shadows.  As you can see, the light paper towel picks up the blues and reds of the berries that also create purple-to-red-purple hues.

By the way, those blackberries were the sweetest, most delicious I have ever tasted!  Yum.

Remember to follow the "Rules of the Road" on the right and send me your images as an attachment to your email.  The June challenge will be posted on Sunday June 10, 2012.  Thanks to everyone who participates, and good luck.   Happy Painting!

June 2011 Challenge: Bearded Iris

Submittal Deadline:  Sunday, July 3, 2011

11:59 PM MST

A 4-Week Challenge

Catherine Hale

Charlotte Tanner

Nancie Johnson

Loretta Sampson

Sylvia Young

William Cook

 Helen Eaton

Sue Harrell

Jean Nelson

Horst Hittenberger

Ann Hyde

Great job on the sunflowers, everyone!  Now we are turning to what's happening in our garden.

We had a very rainy  May, so all of our perennials are about a month late.  Our bearded iris were very happy to receive so much moisture this spring, and now they are proudly on display.  For this challenge I am presenting three photos for your inspirations.  Two photos are close ups, and the third is a group shot of several iris in our garden.  Have fun!

Beverly Sills

 Iris in the Garden

 Purple Iris

You will have four (4) weeks to work on this challenge.  Remember to follow the "Rules of the Road" on the right and send me your images as an attachment to your email by July 3, 2011, when you also will be able to see what I have in store for you for the July challenge. Thanks to everyone who participates.

Happy painting!

March 2010 Challenge: Malibu Fountain

This challenge has closed.

Margaret Bednar

Gringo Zero

Cathie Tonkins

Leslie Hawes

William Cook

Saundra Galloway

Charlotte Tanner

 

Angela Sullivan

Horst Hittenberger

 Barb Benik

This challenge is a study of how perspective can affect the geometry of a circle.  This can be a difficult subject, and I'm looking forward to your approaches on this.

"Malibu Fountain"

This photo was taken sometime in the mid-1980's and is located in the East Garden at the Getty Villa in Malibu.  I'm sure it looks different today.

Discussion

When a round, flat object is viewed from directly overhead, it appears to be a circle.  If the eye level drops to the elevation of the flat object, the object appears to be a straight line or a level rectangle.  In between those two, the object appears to be an ellipse, or oval.  See figure below:

Since the photo is complex, feel free to edit out any information that you think might detract from your picture.

You will have about 3-1/2 weeks to create your interpretation of this challenge.  Remember to follow the "Rules of the Road" on the right.  Send me your images by March 25, and look for the next challenge on March 31. Thanks to everyone who participates.


Happy painting!