Pear and Grapes

I did this study yesterday but did not finish it until the evening. I have to photograph my paintings in daylight so was unable to post until today. The composition is a little spare but I was very happy with the grapes.

Oranges

This small painting was done with making an interesting composition with limited objects the goal. I painted with broad loose strokes avoiding blending as much as I could. The transitions from lighted areas to areas in shadow was accomplished by subtle changes in value and hue rather than 'mushing' the colours together in those transitional areas. This is difficult as the natural tendency for me is to obliterate all the edges and make everything nice and smooth, which ends up looking perhaps more 'realistic' but bland, overworked and lacking any personal signature. One of my artistic goals is to grow toward producing paintings which are loose and lively, and interesting as well as pleasing to look at.

Asters

These were the last of the flowers in my garden, some asters I picked in late November just before the snow fell. The painting was done on board that I sealed with shellac.