08 July 2008

grapes in the bay

7x9 oil on canvas panel

I brought my paints home, to increase the chances of using them. I would like to venture outdoors, but I only got as far as the bay window. According to my classical art education at onpainting, this actually qualifies as plein air. I sat cross-legged on the window seat, with the plate of grapes tempting me, and perched my panel on my lap. Easel shmeasel. I haven't used one since early April. I should be hit on the hand with a mahl stick.

Listen to the plein air that I breathe, performed by the Mavericks.


11 comments:

Jeff Mahorney said...

Nice work Dar. :)
Like the highlights and love the subtle grape reflections. I'm feeling the warm shadow from that cool light source.
oh, I also love the "Lonesome Strawberry". Beautiful! What a little gem eh?

Barbara Pask said...

This is really excellent, the reflection of the grapes and the light from the window.

Dar Presto said...

Thanks Jeff. Congrats on the gallery gig.
Thanks Barbara. I'm glad to be painting again.

Dianne Mize said...

No. No hits we mahl sticks. We don't do that. In fact, Robert Genn's last letter was in praise of lap painting, so there you are! Good plate and grapes, by the way.

Dar Presto said...

Thanks Dianne! That's so funny that Robert wrote about lapwork this week. Thanks for the info; I've been meaning to sign up. And hey, better lap-painting than lapdancing, right?

Cara said...

Lovely work -

Dar Presto said...

thank you Cara!

Anonymous said...

A cute little piece. Very well done. I've been eating green grapes the last few day. Mine were sour.

Dar Presto said...

Thanks Bill.
yeah, I almost named it 'a little tart.'

Anonymous said...

I adore this little painting. The lighting is amazing (as everyone has said) but so is the contrast between how solid the bowl and grapes appear and how subtle and softer the background is.

Dar Presto said...

Thanks Shay! I'm gonna work on fruit again this week. I may 'produce' more in my comfort zone.