"Parsnip"

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"Parsnip"

6 x 6 in

Oil on Canvas Panel

Parsnips have an interesting look to them, their shape and rough skin textures make them intriguing to paint.  I also enjoy painting on top of the under wash thats applied to the canvas prior to the alla prima session, it creates a vignette for the final painting.  I also like the movement this parsnip creates with its silhouette, seems as if it's blowing in the wind. 

I started with a cool grey wash underpainting from golden acrylics number 6, I did the drawing with raw umber and no mediums.  After the drawing is completed I stated the bigger form modeling, I made sure to paint the local colors first and make them turn with the light.  The objective of this stage is to get the main colors stated with out putting any details, then to state the light source and how it turns with the form.

Once the form is turning with the overall light I start to put down smaller forms for the middle to darker values.  I'm making sure they're working within the overall value statement of that section, that's the whole point getting the bigger form stated first so it can serve as a blue print for the smaller forms.

Once I've added all the smaller forms to the darker values I slowly start creeping up to the lights.  I start to add a bit more color to the middle values and some in the lights, while I do this I'm making sure to keep it turning with the bigger form.  

Then I concentrate on the lights and add the smaller forms.  Once the parsnip is completed I move onto the wooden base, doing the same procedure as I did with the parsnip concentrating on the overall fall of light first.

Then I add the smaller forms with dark and lighter accents to take the painting to a finish.  This was such a fun painting to do, l thoroughly enjoy capturing the lights and trying to render the subtle values.  I hope you enjoyed this one, thanks for stopping by!