Saturday, February 11, 2012

Two Mandarin Oranges - SOLD

"Two Mandarin Oranges with Leaves"

5"x 7" Oil on Gessobord

sold

Can anyone tell me why this is the only fruit that merchants deem necessary to retain their leaves? I can understand why you seldom see leaves in the market, but mandarin oranges of some varieties ( these are Page Mandarins ) always appear in the market with leaves intact. Very curious and a delight as well. This painting is sooooo much more interesting with those drying leaves as they curl into sculpture-like accessories.

My still life set up is really just an old cardboard moving box, wood plank from the side of the road, and hand held light, all captured with my handy camera on a tripod. It is thrilling to create a convincing old world scene with these spare elements. I was putting my official artistic license to good use - mustn't let it lapse.

After a few inquiries into my box I thought a current pic of today's view of my "box" could give more info than words. The top piece is moved from side to side or removed as needed for desired directional light.

10 comments:

Arena Shawn said...

I've always given myself excuses of not painting still-life because I do not have a proper shadow box, a proper stand, and proper light source... I am so ashamed after reading this post -- creating beauty out of your own vision without too much elaborated setup, what can be more artistic than that? Thank you for sharing the secrets. When I see paintings so beautiful coming from such modest inspirations, I have learned the precious lesson again -- it's not the magic brush that did the work, it's the hand that was holding it.

Thank you.

Virginia Floyd said...

Really beautiful, Marilyn. The oranges have beautiful volume and light, and the composition is very classic. You have done so much with such simple objects!

Rick Nilson said...

I covet your skills.

Sandy Graeser Haynes said...

Marilyn, I love your paintings, they are amazing, and the box is fun to see ! I tried to do Carol Marine's set up, but could never find the pvc corners ! Would you like to trade links with me? I've been daily painting for a year, and took Carol's workshop in August.
Your paintings are beautiful....

jimserrettstudio said...

Love your work and your still life set up. So am i correct in assuming you are working from photos?

Sue Gardner said...

Your paintings are fabulous, with such clever compositions, they really stand out!

Unknown said...

I want to paint like you some day... Amazing this one!!!


Acrylic and oil painting MAvramART

Randall said...

Those are going to be the best preserved Mandarin Oranges ever Marilyn.

~Randall

Oil Painting said...

Perfect combination of matching colours and ver detailed strokes. Love it.

Unknown said...

I love your paintings. Antique Brass Picture Light