"Blood Oranges"

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"Blood Oranges"

6 x 8 in 

Oil on Canvas Panel

I have not painted blood oranges in a while and wanted to challenge myself by painting there subtle and hard textures.  I also was looking forward into painting the reds within the oranges, I think those two combination work well together.  My approach to this painting is different than what I've been doing lately, it's more of the way I painted when I first started doing these alla prima's.  It was nice to change it up and go back to my old approach, I still think it's great to paint in this way it allows you to concentrate in one section and take it to a finish before moving onto the next.  It's easy to just jump around and work on other areas which will just keep you going in circles, this approach allows you to just paint a certain section and not move until its complete.  Time to keep experimenting with my old and new technique, see what I can get from the two once their meshed together.  

I started with the usual dry brush approach using no mediums and a bit of raw umber on the brush.  Once the drawing was complete I stated the background my using ultramarine blue and titanium white.

Then I started by concentrating on one section at a time, normally I would do big form modeling at this stage.  I forced myself not to move from this section until it was completely done.  I started with a thin application of the areas that I was laying in first, slowly I build the thickness and opacity I'm looking for. Once the shadows are complete I move onto the middle to lighter values of the orange.  I'm being sensitive to the brush strokes and edges they create, I want to keep the transitions smooth and not get to thick in the beginning.  The colors I used in this section were cad.orange, naphthol red, cad.red, raw umber, and cad.yellow pale hue.

I then added the highlights to the orange and took it to a complete finish.  When adding the highlights or layers on top of the beginning layers you have to be soft to the touch, try not to pick up the paint that's already laid down, think of it as a build up of layers that's creating a three dimensional illusion.  The softer you apply pressure to the brush the more blend it will create and you also get better brush control.  Once the first orange is complete I move onto the second one, repeating the same process as I did with the first.

Once the second one is complete I move onto the darkest part of the base, I only concentrate in this section and take it to a finish before moving onto the next.  The colors I used were ivory black, raw umber, titanium white, ultramarine blue, and cad.orange.  

I then added the top of the base with its highlights as well, the colors I used in this section were ivory black, raw umber, titanium white and ultramarine blue.  When adding the lighter sections and even the cast shadows I had to be careful with the silhouette of the oranges.  Certain sections you have to just slow down and take your time, this section was definitely one of those instances.  This approach is more time consuming and really forces you to slow down with each section, its great in order to get into that painting mind set.  As mentioned in the opening paragraph i'm looking forward to see how I can mesh this approach with my current one, I'll definitely keep you posted.  Thanks for stopping by and viewing, hope you enjoyed this one.

"Red Apple"

Click here to purchase this painting at my Etsy shop

"Red Apple"

6 x 6 in

Oil on Canvas Panel

This painting came up unexpected for me today, I was busy all day with meetings and running errands.  It was a pleasant surprise to get home and see if I can produce one very quickly.  I wanted to see if I can push my self to get details or smaller forms down in the painting with more clarity, I feel lately some of my paintings have gotten a bit blurry in that area.  In a sense its more of a therapeutic thing for me to do in order to feel right about the direction I'm going for.  After painting it I had the pleasure of eating this delicious apple, it's been a while since I've had apples almost forgot how good they are.  

"Assorted Apples"

Click here to purchase this painting at my Etsy shop

"Assorted Apples"

8 x 10 in 

Oil on Canvas Panel

These apples I've been wanting to paint for a while in this arrangement, I've always been intrigued with the texture and subtle colors apples have.  Each of the apples have a subtle variation to its texture complimenting the rougher texture the wooden base has.  It's interesting applying the technique I did with the roses and rockwell study to this painting, of course it was't working right of the back but after a while it started coming together.  That's another thing I wanted to discuss on here about sticking it out till the end with you'r painting, no matter if its an alla prima or a longer still life painting.  In every painting that I do I always run into rough patches and think its not going to come out, but I keep going working hard until it finally does work.  Easier said than done but trust me if you push your self and not settle it will push you and your painting into that next level.  Thanks for stopping by hope you enjoyed!

"Rosas Bianco"

Click here to purchase this painting at my Etsy shop

"Rosas Bianco"

9 x 12 in

Oil on Canvas Panel

Over the weekend I did a study of a Norman Rockwell painting and learned so much from it.  I love doing copies because I always get something out of it.  Norman Rockwell is one of my idols, I love the way he paints texture on every subject he paints.  I also love the way he depicts stories in his paintings, he is known for being an illustrator to me though he is a fine artist as well as an illustrator.  I recommend to any painter out there that wants to keep learning and improving on their skills to copy a painting they really admire, you will gain so much out of it from the color choices to the brush strokes they used.  When I started painting this one today I thought it would of been a walk in the park, well I was in for a rude awakening.  White roses are extremely hard to paint due to their subtle colors, if you don't control the value and colors it can get really bad quickly.  I cannot tell you how many times I was just going to stop with this painting, especially after doing the copy I thought I was just going to easily get this one done.  Once I completely started to concentrate on the light and how to render its textures on the leaves and roses the painting started to come along.  When I was painting the leaves that's where I saw the light in the end of the tunnel, I started to remember what I learned from the Rockwell study and put those two together.  I'm glad I stuck it through I learned so much and really happy with the results.  I hope you guys enjoyed this one, thanks for stopping by and viewing.

Norman Rockwell copy.

"Green Heirloom"

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"Green Heirloom"

8 x 10 in 

Oil on Canvas Panel

I always enjoy painting heirloom tomatoes for many reasons other than eating them afterwards.  The binding that happens from each layer is fascinating to me, there's also a subtlety of colors that you can see coming from the inside.  Painting subtle color variations from one layer to the next is challenging especially when painting heirloom tomatoes.  I also enjoyed painting this tomato because of the weather we had today, its been snowing all day with an occasional sunshine here and there.  I always jump on the opportunity to paint with natural light when given the chance and today was one of those days.  Observing this heirloom tomato and its subtle colors was easier to do with soft lighting, and as mentioned before eating them afterwards is a bigger reward for painting them all day.  

"Lemon Peeled"

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"Lemon Peeled"

6 x 6 in

Oil on Canvas Panel

This one was a very quick painting for me, I started later than I wanted to but I'm glad I was able to finish it.  I wanted to play around with lemons and how their peels wrap around the form.  I kept the inside of the lemon concealed to add more mystery to the peel.  I've been painting lemons for a while now and wanted a different approach for this one.  Thanks for stopping by!

"Strawberries Marching"

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"Strawberries Marching"

8 x 10 in

Oil on Canvas Panel

This is the last of the series of strawberry paintings, I had a lot of fun playing with their arrangements and seeing how far I can push it.  Their intense colors is also another reason why I wanted to continue painting them, their reds are just so strong and when you add details on top of that it just changes the dynamic of the chroma's.  Strawberries are tricky to paint because of their textures they have an alignment with their dots that can get confusing from one to the other, each of them have their subtle differences.  The best part of the whole experience is being able to eat them afterwards, when you add chocolate to the mix then its just icing on the cake.  

 I am doing a demo at Dick Blick in Edina, MN on February 9, I was going to do it from 12-3p.m. but due to prior engagements I have to change the time from 11-2 or 10:30- 2p.m.    

  

You can still sign up for "Pink Roses" alla prima lesson, check out the trailer above.

"Strawberries Aligned"

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"Strawberries Aligned"

5 x 7 in 

Oil on Canvas Panel

I wanted to continue with the play of composition with these strawberries, I enjoy painting their deep reds and even more eating them.  It's fun playing around with subject you paint and try to compose them differently each time, you never know what you'll end up with unless you just try.  The weather finally came around it started to drop as of yesterday to the teens, I have to admit I do miss the 50 degrees we had a couple days ago.  It is nice though to stay indoors and paint when its this cold, hopefully we won't see negative 40 degrees any time soon it truly is unbearable.

I wanted to let everyone know that lives in Minneapolis I'll be giving a live painting demo at the Dick Blick in Edina on Feb. 9th from 12-3 pm.  Come out and heckle me would love to meet you guys.

I also found out my oil painting class at the Bloomington Art Center will be on for this session, I'm extremely excited to teach it along with figure drawing and see the talent that comes out of there.  You guys can still sign up here's the link.

Sign up for "Pink Roses"Alla Prima online lesson, check out the trailer above.

I started with the usual dry brush approach using a bit of raw umber on the brush and no mediums.  After the drawing is complete I laid in a general color for the strawberries and also stated the background.  I usually do not use any mediums with these smaller alla prima's, i've gotten used to not using any and just using the paints straight out of the tube.

Then I stated the darker values and their specific forms and did the same with the lighter values and highlights.

After the strawberries were complete I then started on the leaves and started with a general color for the drawing in stage.  In this stage I am just drawing in the shapes and trying to place them in the right areas.  Once the shapes are correct I then state the darker values and their specific forms.

Then I state the lighter values and their specific forms.  Once the strawberries are completed I then move onto the base and add the general colors with some details already filled in.

I then go back and add the finishing touches on the strawberries and base, doing this brings the whole painting to a finish.  I noticed with this painting I did not apply my usual big and small form modeling and could see the difference.  It's something that is really important with my paintings and can tell right away if I forgot to implement it.  I do like the results though and still kept in mind on how the form turns with the light.  There is a difference though when you go through the process and actually do it step by step rather than jumping ahead and putting in all the information at once.  I hope you guys enjoyed this one, thanks for stopping by.  

"Three Strawberries"

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"Three Strawberries"

6 x 6 in

Oil on Canvas Panel

The weather here in Minneapolis is crazy today it hit 50 degrees, I cannot believe that its fifty degrees in the middle of January it's usually five below at this time of year.  It's pretty hard to stay indoors and paint when it's so nice outside but I must paint and get back to the easel vacation time is over.  I haven't painted strawberries in a while I miss painting their unique textures and beautiful colors.  I wanted to arrange them with this silver serving cup, I've used this cup in several of my paintings and like the reflections it creates.  It was fun arranging this composition and getting back to the grind of making these alla prima's.

I started with the usual dry brush approach for the drawing stage, once the drawing stage is complete I stated the background by using ultramarine blue, naples yellow and titanium white.

After the background is complete I start on the three strawberries at the same time by stating the general colors.  After the general colors are stated I start stating the darker values and their specific forms.

Then I stated the lighter values and highlights, I work on all the strawberries at the same time to keep the quality the same.  Once the strawberries are complete I start on the green leafs on the strawberries by first stating the general colors, then laying down the darker values and after putting the lighter values

Then I start on the silver cup by laying in the general colors, I like to keep this stage abstract and also keeping the edges soft.  Then I state the lighter values and start bringing the two sections to a finish.  

Then I move onto the base and first state the general colors, at this stage I have already starting to indicate the darker and lighter values.  Then I state the darker darks and bring the painting to a finish.

"Buddha's Hand Citron"

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"Buddha's Hand Citron"

8 x 10 in

Oil on Canvas Panel

This is my first painting of 2012 and what a way to start the new year with a freaky looking one, you guys know me and painting weird looking fruits.  I was at the grocery store today and could not believe this was actually a fruit, I quickly picked the best one and hurried home to paint it.  It's so unique looking  seems as if its alive, amazing what mother nature can make just when you think you seen it all.  The textures on the citron were amazing to paint, love the smooth and rough textures it has.  Aside from painting it there was a piece of paper that came along with it when I bought it, gives information of where it comes from and how to cook it.  Interesting to know that they are only available from October to January, and mainly used for making jams and liqueurs.  

I wanted to also say thank you to everyone for your support last year in following my blog and commenting, I really do appreciate it.  I wish everyone the very best for 2012!  Here is the clip for my "Pink Roses" lesson thats available for purchase:

  

Thanks again everyone and Happy 2012!

I started with the usual dry brush approach using no mediums and a bit of raw umber on the brush.  Once the drawing is complete I stated the background first by using ultramarine blue, naples yellow and titanium white.  

After the background is laid in I state the general colors of the citron, I would do big form modeling to it but since the textures and tentacles are complicated I'll just slowly build my rendering through each stage instead of generalizing all at once.  The colors I used were viridian, cad.yellow pale hue, raw umber, and cad.orange.  Once the general colors are stated I went in and painted the darker smaller forms, the colors I used for this stage was primarily raw umber.

Then I laid in the lighter values with smaller form modeling and I just applied cad. yellow pale hue and titanium white.  When I stated the lighter values this allows me to go back into the darks and shift certain values to their right hue, I constantly jump back and forth till it looks right.  Once the citron is complete I move onto the wooden board by just using raw umber for the general color lay in.  

After the general color lay in I state the darker values by using ivory black, cad.orange, naphthol red and raw umber.  Then I complete the painting by adding the lighter values to the wooden board by adding titanium white, ultramarine blue, naphthol red and cad.orange.  When Adding the wooden board and the cast shadow from the citron I notice that the values within the fruit can go a bit darker, that's why sometimes its better to add the darkest values first to properly judge how dark you need to go with the subject your painting.  Hope you guys enjoyed this freaky looking fruit I know I definitely did and was scared at the same time ;)

"Evening Tea"

Click here to purchase this painting at my Etsy store

"Evening Tea"

14 x 18 in

Oil on Linen

This is my latest still life painting (not an alla prima painting), its of oranges surrounding this beautiful rustic tea kettle resting on a geisha blue cloth and a wooden stool peaking through.  To say I had fun painting this one would be a complete understatement, I wanted to control and manipulate a bit the lighting pattern in my painting.  One thing is to copy from life the other is enhancing what you'r painting and make it your own.  I had this gold frame for a while and glad I was finally able to create a painting worth of it.

I started with getting the setup just right and positioning my canvas to a close sight to size copy I can get to.

I did the drawing in raw umber, concentrated in simplifying the shapes as much as I can and positioning them just right.

Then did a whole underpainting in raw umber, and cremnitz white.  This allows me to get the tone I'm going for and play with the lights a bit.  I usually don't do this when starting a painting but wanted to try something different this time.  This is also good to do if you haven't prepared your canvas with a ground, it gives the linen some tooth.

I started to paint the blue cloth and oranges, as you can see I had to get other oranges because they started to go bad and change colors.  There are many tricks you have to improvise when painting from life especially with still life's pertaining to fruits and vegetables.  This is the last picture I took of the process and apologize for not taking more.  Basically I worked on each section to a finish and brought the whole painting to a finish by repeating this process.  The process I use for my alla prima's I applied to  this painting, I saw how easier it was to achieve difficult transitions in certain areas and have a unity throughout the finish of the painting.    

Just a reminder to everyone you can sign up for my new lesson on how to paint "Pink Roses".  Here's a trailer for it:

  

"Pink Roses" 2nd lesson of Alla Prima Online Course.

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"Pink Roses"

9 x 12 in

Oil on Canvas Panel

I hope everyone had a great christmas and even better new years.  I am finally back and ready to get the new years started, I've been slaving away to get this second instructional video complete and happy to announce that its READY!  The lesson is on the one and only "Pink Roses" which is shown above.  I detail my process with each stage and have a written format that covers each section of the videos.  From the amount of requests I had to paint roses for my second lesson was the primary reason why I decided to do so.  Discussing in depth big and small form modeling is one of the differences from the first lesson, which is also one of the main points of advancing with these lessons.  If your interested in signing up for this lesson please email me at jonallerpainting@gmail.com

I also wanted to let everyone know who lives in Minneapolis that I'll be teaching in late January at the Bloomington Art Center.  I'll be teaching an oil painting class which you can find more information by click here, and also a figure drawing class and you can also find more information by clicking here.

Trailer for the second lesson of the Alla Prima Online Course "Pink Roses".