"Basil 2"

Sold

"Basil 2"

8 x 10 in

Oil on Canvas Panel

I wanted to paint these basil leaves again they are a bit difficult too paint especially for a daily painting but I like the challenge.  I also wanted to address an issue that I heard from a friend of mine stating that someone has accused me of using a projector, I just want to let everyone know that I have never used a projector for my paintings.  Truthfully I take it as a compliment who ever thinks that, but again I do not use projectors.

I'm including this photo to show everyone more of my set up of how I paint, I don't paint sight to size I just get close to my subject and try to duplicate what I see onto my canvas.

I started this painting with my usual approach no mediums just a bit of oil on the brush I used viridian and cadmium yellow light for the drawing stage, I wasn't too interested in getting all the details in the drawing stage just get the gesture of the still life.  Then I started with the first pedal going from the darkest values to the lightest ones using ivory black, viridian, cobalt blue, and cadmium yellow light.

I duplicated the process with each leaves and moving towards the right of the canvas, as I was painting I started noticing the leaves starting to droop a bit because they were away from the light or to tell you the truth I don't know why but they where changing shapes pretty quick.

Then I started to add the background to tie it in with the painting and really bring it to a finish, I'm being careful with the edges making sure to soften some areas.

After I established the whole background I noticed that I went too dark on the left side so I lightened it and noticed it worked much better with the contrast in the leaves.

I overall had a good time painting this one, the gestural shapes of the leaves where a lot of fun to try to duplicate.  Thanks for stopping by and hope you enjoyed this one!