Market Samplers

Here are the last two paintings for the Daily Painters Project's May Gallery on the Go! event this Saturday at Baker & Olive.   One of my dear friends gave me the "Market Sampler" box from B&O a few weeks ago and I love the fabulous EVOO & Balsamic.  

I took some photographs of the 4 bottles looking down, light shining on them and got a different perspective which motivated me to finish out the month's theme of "all things Italy and cafe" on a different note than the more realistic set ups I have been painting the last few weeks.   I really am glad I stepped out of the box for these.  

I named these Market Sampler and Market Sampler II.  

6" x 6" Oil on Panel

Bruschetta Anyone II?

They say practice makes perfect. This is the second “practice” at this still life set up. I wanted the background less prominent and the tomato the brightest possible red/orange that reality allows.

6″ x 6″ Oil on Panel

Bread & Oil

A good loaf of bread and a great olive oil. What else do you need?

This olive oil bottle from Baker & Olive is shaped like a wine bottle. But olive oil it is. Painting bread convincingly is difficult. It's dull colors can be challenging. Using more yellow might have resulted in richer tones in the crust. I think I will try it next time!

6" x 6" Oil on Panel

Yellow and Red Makes Orange

What happens when you mix yellow and red tomatoes with olive oil? You get something wonderful! In this case, the oil was infused with red peppers and had a delicious orange glow as the sun shone through the bottle. I tried to stay with the blue and orange world of complimentary colors though the tomatoes were really red and yellow.

6″ x 6″ Oil on Panel

Bruschetta Anyone?

This basil is from my garden and it is beginning to go crazy out there in the bright sunshine! It is fun to get ready for summer recipes ... waiting on the tomatoes. I have always wanted to find a way to connect gardening, cooking and art. This is a good combination! This painting is all about the dark background against the white. The sun shinging through the olive oil was tricky - it was a brighter yellow than you would believe! Enjoy, and just try not to have an Italian dinner tonight!

6 x 6 Oil on Panel