Alons-y!

I have completed two fun pastels while trying to create the next apple set-up for another oil painting. One is a silly hen in a planter and the other is a set of Russian doll dogs surrounding a bone. They were both quick and helpful to get away from all the detail of the oil painting.

After looking at the completed Gala, I was at a loss of what direction to head next and depression hit hard. Time and the pastel works helped and I decided to go with the 'less is more' theory and focus on fabric with apples. The fabric I've selected is one I'd fell in love with that was intended as window treatments in my dining room, but were negated by my husband. The woven pattern is bold, complex and quite graphic while the colors are copper/terra cotta and cream - much brighter than the fabrics in the last paintings and more appropriate for this season of sun. I decided that the color of Granny Smith apples would work best with the fabric, but all the warm hues needed balance somehow. Something blue was the obvious choice. All I had were vertical cobalt items that were just wrong and far too much blue. Friends Erica and Keith to the rescue! They had a hand-blown glass dish I've borrowed that holds three large apples perfectly. Now the lighting must be arranged to emphasize textures and create interesting shadow areas too keep the composition from being too flat.

I have chosen another horizontal format, but am still not sure of the vertical scale. I have noticed that the painted apples are almost exactly the same size from one work to the next and am now conscious of it. I suspect my attempts to increase their size will feel wrong, but plan to give it a shot.

For now, I will hold off beginning until after a short trip out of town. I plan to do another apple oriented pastel while I'm gone, but may be lured into just visiting with loved ones.

For now, here are the pastels to ponder!