Tuesday, December 18, 2012

GOURDS OR PUMPKINS



It's been a while since I've painted anything but class work or Christmas cards.  I've set up some of the gourds Sweetie and I purchased at the Rising Sun Navy Bean Festival back in the fall and took photos during a sunny day.  I finally got around to using them for a painting.


Using a 4 x 6 photo, I drew out the 3 gourds I wanted to use on a piece of tracing paper.  Then I transferred that to a sheet of Arches 140# cold press watercolor paper (fourth sheet size = 11" x 15")


Then I began painted in the gourds/pumpkins and the dark shadow shapes (which is what I found so interesting about this set-up).

I need to bring in some more colors and depth on the pumpkins and get those "warts" on there, too.

I'll do more later...but today, class is coming and they'll be doing more Christmas cards.  Out of 5 students, I always have 1 missing so, for me, it's worked out with setting up in the kitchen.  If I ever have 5 students coming all the time - or 6, I'll have to find a new setting or get a different set-up so everyone has plenty of room.  But I'm not complaining.  It's fun to share what I've learned with others and to see their growth - and it's fun to just have a reason to study some technique and paint different things.  

8 comments:

jgr said...

Hi Rhonda,
The gourds are looking good!! I agree with you about the shadows, too-very dramatic.

Vandy said...

This is wonderfully dramatic! Love the contrast between the darks and that wonderful vibrant orange!

Unknown said...

What a nice coincidence! I also put my pumpkins' painting on my blog today, but mine are olders than yours, I think.
I have the same problem with lack of room for my students, even if we have a dedicated room, lend by an administration, we'd rather have a larger room to work.
And I agree with your point: we can learn a lot by teaching!

Bruce Sherman said...

Hi there Rhonda!... That's what it should be about.... sharing!

A great start on these squash,,, rich complementary colour and great contrast! Can't help but turn out a winner!

I love those Chris Mice! HA HA!! Too cool!

Merry Christmas!

Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

and beautifully drawn and painted. Your color harmony is wonderful!

Autumn Leaves said...

The shadows are wonderful, Rhonda, and you've painted them perfectly. Hope you had fun with your students too.

Debbie Nolan said...

Dear Rhonda - the colors you chose for the shadows certainly show off your lovely subject. Take care my friend and have a wonderful day.

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks so much, Jane, Vandy, Bruce, Sherry and Debbie for your positive comments on this beginning. I hope I can finish it just enough...

Marie, thank you so much - how do I see your blog? Do I need to sign in to Google+ to see your work? I haven't created an account through Google+ yet.

Thank you so much, Mary, for taking the time to stop by and comment.