Monday, April 5, 2010

Another Still Life Exercise

"Glazed Pitcher with Nectarine"
12" x 15"
Pastel

You will likely tire of seeing my various still lifes from Monday morning drawing class. They are always such a challenge and can be very rewarding if I come close to getting a three-dimensional feel. I can see that my nectarine is far to shiny and looks like an apple. There is always next week when we get to try something again.

I was delighted that a number of blog friends commented on my notes about the Wayne Thiebaud interview that I attended at the San Jose Museum of Art. For me, Wayne is an art superstar, and I felt so fortunate to see and hear him speaking about his art. His talk was very encouraging. He reminded me of the time that Mel Stabin, a very experienced art workshop instructor and recipient of many prestigious awards, said, "If I am more successful than you, it's only because I have failed more often." This says to me -- keep going, make art, some will work, some will not. Experiment, change, have fun, enjoy.

12 comments:

Autumn Leaves said...

Yep, I would have guessed an apple, but to me that just means saying 'apple' instead of nectarine here, Mary! LOL That pitcher is fabulous and that you've achieved such gorgeous shine and implied the ceramic of that pitcher using pastels just tells me how little I know! Gorgeous still life!

Mary Paquet said...

Sherry, thanks -- and you're right, change the name! I realize I could also dull the highlights a bit which have to be more subtle on the nectarine's skin. It wasn't til I posted the piece that I saw what I should do. I am pleased with the pitcher.

Barbra Joan said...

Mary I'm sure you'll hear this again, but honestly your pastels are wonderful. Makes me want to drag mine out again. Also I read the post on Wayne Thiebaud and am making a copy for my art wall.It always amazes me to read something about an artist that I think only happens to me. It's comforting to know we are all alike in so many ways. Well, keep those pastels coming I enjoy them so much. !

Mary Paquet said...

Barbra, thanks for encouraging me with pastels. Having a master instructor to advise going along makes a big difference! I can just imagine how lovely your florals and drawings of people would look in pastels. Wayne certainly was helpful to me as well -- we all have our self-doubts.

Sheila Estep said...

Your pastels are wonderful! I love the sheen you achieved on the pitcher and nectarine. I'm new to pastels and still very clumsy with them and looking at your work you've definitely put in the hours to achieve your beautiful work.

Marie Theron said...

I love your pitcher and fruit, Mary. All these still lifes came out looking very classical. Thank you for summarising the art master's lecture in great detail. It will be valuable to refer back to it!

Anonymous said...

I too love these still life paintings you are doing. Your sense of color is wonderful. You are a living example of the power of making art and more art and more art. You are an inspiration and a wonderful teacher and a great blog friend.

Christiane Kingsley said...

Mary, that pitcher is incredible! The color and texture are perfect.

Becky Joy said...

The pitcher is very good. The smoothness and texture have been captured.

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

I think it's very well done. I have no issues with the fruit and the pitcher is really solid.

Mary Paquet said...

Thanks, everyone, for encouraging my drawing and pastel work. Hello to Becky Joy and Mary -- I look forward to following your beautiful work.

Mary Paquet said...

Thanks, everyone, for encouraging my drawing and pastel work. Hello to Becky Joy and Mary -- I look forward to following your beautiful work.