Painted pear

This is my pear from yesterday's painting class.  I took my value study (see September 2nd post), and she had me apply color.  The right side of my pear looked flat--I was using burnt umber, yellow ochre and burnt sienna to try to make it dark.  My instructor told me to add green, and that was it.  The shadow took on dimension.

This is a very classical style of painting, not how I hope ultimately to paint.  But I hope to continue to learn lots, and I LOVE the class.  There are five ladies of approximately my age (plenty-nine I always say).  And they are fun and kind and very nice.  Just what I had hoped for.

New Painting Class

I started a new painting class this week.  The instructor told me beforehand that she would have me paint a pear so that she could show me how she teaches, and so she can see where I am as a student.  I took several canvas panels that I had toned with burnt sienna.  She asked me if I had one that wasn't toned, because she uses a different method.  Luckily I had one.

She had me use transparent umber and transparent burn sienna to make an underpainting and then lift off paint to make the lighter areas.   Her teaching method involves making an underpainting for every painting. This is unlike any teaching I've ever had.  I hope I have the patience!

8" X 10" oil on canvas panel
(Click on painting to view larger.)