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Work in Progress

WIP 38 x 28cm. watercolor on paper
  WIP

I would like to update you on my art endeavors for this week. I am painting a still life from a photograph taken during my recent vacation to Crete. It represents an orange juice bar. I love the lemon tree, the grapevine planted behind it and the citrus leaves in the orange filled basket. It is citrus heaven! I was only able to get one shot because I needed to keep up with the group. Otherwise I would have exploited various angles and lighting situations. It is hard to conciliate keeping up with a schedule and photography.

I am slowly building up the layers but don't have much to show for. I am reading an excellent book, Making Color Sing, by Jeanne Dobie. I am trying to put into practice some of the numerous suggestions in the book about mixing color and making them work well against each other. I finally ended up working from a black and white reference photo I made because I wanted to make my own color choices. I'm worried about making everything too busy. I want the focus to be on the baskets. I will stop here with my reflections with the hope of having not digressed too much!

I wish everyone a great weekend, thank you for taking the time to view my blog!
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Comments

  1. Helen H Trachy16 August 2013 at 16:59

    This is a delightful scene Celia and already very promising. I was wondering what size is your painting! Happy painting, have a beautiful weekend.

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    1. Celia Blanco17 August 2013 at 10:08

      Thank you for your encouraging comment Helen! It is 38x28cm.

      Delete
  2. Unknown16 August 2013 at 17:06

    I'm going to look at that book, it sounds wonderful. I also think the idea of an orange juice bar sounds wonderful! Freshly squeezed orange juice?! How fun! This is an awesome painting, Celia, I can't wait to see it finished. I already can tell it's going to be amazing.

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    Replies
    1. Celia Blanco17 August 2013 at 10:12

      It is a wonderful book, she is a watercolor artist but I think these ideas can be applied to any medium. Thank you for stopping by!

      Delete
  3. laura16 August 2013 at 19:42

    I love the Dobie book, have had it for years, and marvel at her browns and grays!
    You have a lovely start here--the subject is so very charming, and you have a beautiful start on it.

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    Replies
    1. Celia Blanco17 August 2013 at 10:13

      Thank you Laura! I do agree, her browns and grays are amazing.

      Delete
  4. Lorraine Brown16 August 2013 at 23:53

    All the signs of a nice painting Celia, love your baskets so good luck in brining it to a finish that you want

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  5. Joan Tavolott17 August 2013 at 00:36

    Nice start!!! Great colors and nice composition! Sometimes it makes sense to use a B&W reference so you can make the colors your own. This reminds me of the lemon cello stands all over Sorrento and Capri...I loved all the lemons.

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    1. Celia Blanco17 August 2013 at 10:15

      I love lemons and any citrus too. Thanks for the feedback!

      Delete
  6. hmuxo17 August 2013 at 00:41

    This work in progress is beautiful, Celia!!! I look forward to seeing this still life finished....I love the basket and the fruits look perfect!!!

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  7. Celia Blanco17 August 2013 at 10:19

    I appreciate your kind comment Hilda!

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  8. Watermarycolors17 August 2013 at 11:41

    Estoy deseando ver el resultado Celia, de momento este trabajo está yendo muy bien.. :) Saludos!

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  9. Ramakant Pradhan19 August 2013 at 08:25

    I already like it though its work in progress. The painting looks like a photograph to me where the photographer wants to draw the attention of the viewer to the baskets while having a less distracting background. Would love to see the finished painting.

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    Replies
    1. Celia Blanco19 August 2013 at 08:58

      Ramakant, that is exactly what I am hoping for! Let's see if I manage, sometimes watercolor has a mind of it's own. Thank you for taking the time to comment!

      Delete
  10. Debbie Nolan20 August 2013 at 21:49

    Celia - this is going to be lovely when you get it finished. I already love the colors you are using and I can smell the lovely orange scent. I too have read Jean Dobie's book - it is awesome - I think I need to revisit it. Have a lovely day.

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  11. juliefordoliver.blogspot.com21 August 2013 at 19:07

    I understand only too well about making your own color choices. That is what makes your painting YOURS. You did an excellent job here and the baskets really are the focal area. Cant wait to see it finished.

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  12. Laura Leeder22 August 2013 at 19:37

    It's coming along beautifully Celia! Making Color Sing is a great book.

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  13. Celia Blanco23 August 2013 at 13:54

    Thanks Debbie, Julie and Laura for your comments!!

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  14. J. Paz23 August 2013 at 21:36

    Sabes llevar la teoría a la práctica. Felicidades!!
    Un resultado excelente.

    Abbraccio.

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