Mrs. Backer's Cupcakes

I thought that you might like to see the 

process of painting this cupcake piece.

I started out with a line drawing.

Then I began to paint the background so that I could

get a sense for the value of the cupcakes.

Now, I can start dropping in the cupcake colors.

Next, I'll fill in the cake and papers.

It's time to deepen the shadows and add texture

to the paper.

After painting rich and thick passages on the 

cupcakes, the background looks too thin. 

So I'll put a second layer on it.

The background color doesn't relate to the palette 

of the cupcakes (there's no purple anywhere) 

plus, I want more contrast to help the cupcakes pop.

By using my knife (and more paint) I soften the edges

and get the shapes "talking" to each other. Rather than 

crisp edges I now have loose edges. I like it better!

Waiting For Guests

"Waiting For Guests"

12" x 12" oil on panel 

Here's the set up:

Seeing the brass pot in this photograph seems 
dull but when you are looking at it in real life 
there are MANY colors and subtle details that 
the camera cannot pick up.

First Layer:

I paint in general color masses and 
continually check my shapes

Second layer:

Now I start dropping in pieces of light and color.
I pay attention to the textures and details.

Final layer:

I warm the left side of the background and scrape the 
edges of the pot to enroll it in the surrounding 
atmosphere. Those lost edges keep my pot from looking 
like it was cut out and pasted onto my painting. I add
highlights and extra color for drama.