Today's Start

This is the still life painting I started on today. This is a quick charcoal sketch on canvas.  I didn't want to commit to paint because it's been so long since I've done a still life this size. I just wanted to get the major values down to evaluate the composition.

(Pardon the hairclip at the top.  My easel is broken and that holds it in place.)

This is a large painting for me: 20x24".  The pumpkins are a beautiful rich orange and the jug is french blue.  The flowers are Chinese lanterns, rich red and orange. The concept of the painting is color/complements. 

With the exception of the painting I did earlier this week (I'll post it when I can photograph it), I haven't painted a still life since about May. Now that the weather is turning, I imagine I'll be painting a lot more of fruit and such.  I do love the challenge of setting up  still life, and leading the viewers eye. 

My drawing needs improvement, but hopefully the painting will survive that.