In this chapter, we delve into the art of setting up a still life, a crucial step that sets the stage for your painting's success. I've arranged a warm-colored panel on the right and back, with a simple lamp casting light from above and slightly in front. A black panel on the side and a top panel casting a shadow onto the background leave our still life in full light. Though it appears simple, this setup took me two hours to perfect, and I challenge you to do the same. The key lies in arranging your chosen elements—each with distinct shapes, colors, textures, and sizes—into a composition that captivates. Variety is essential, not just in your selection but also in the spacing and positioning of each item. For instance, maintaining the pear's unique shape rather than aligning it with the grapes' roundness adds interest. This process is an art form in itself, so take your time, experiment, and learn. Whether it takes hours or days, capturing the perfect setup is invaluable. As we progress, you'll also learn to harness the quick-drying nature of acrylics, which demands swift decision-making and brushwork, ultimately elevating your skills to match those of oil painting.
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
"The White Jug" - Acrylic on Canvas by Richard Robinson
Step 10Painting Grapes
Establish the Base Color
Use a very dark red for the base of the grapes. This semi-transparent color allows the shadow side to appear stronger, adding depth to the grapes.
Add Light and Highlights
Apply a lighter color to the areas where the light hits the grapes. For shiny grapes, use the exact color of the light for the highlights to create a realistic shine.
Incorporate Reflected Light
Add subtle touches of reflected light to enhance realism. Introduce a hint of the white jug's reflection on the top surface of the grape and a light brown reflection from the wood on the shadow side.
Consider the Grape's Surface
Remember that grapes often have a greyish coating when fresh. Consider this texture in your painting to add authenticity.
Adjust Highlight Intensity
Vary the intensity of highlights to create depth. Dull the highlights on grapes that are further back in space and carefully place highlights to indicate the light's position relative to each grape.
Pro tipUse a palette knife for precise highlights to enhance the grape's shine and realism.
Embark on your painting journey by embracing the unique qualities of acrylics. Their fast-drying nature demands swift decision-making and confident brushwork, offering both a challenge and an opportunity to refine your skills. Begin by simplifying your scene into abstract patterns, focusing on the arrangement of shapes and colors rather than intricate details. This approach will help you develop an eye for composition and enhance your creative freedom.
As you progress, practice consistently to build confidence in setting up still life compositions. Prepare your canvas with a warm base to set the tone of your painting, and use a retarded medium to maintain a wet surface, allowing for smooth blending and a painterly quality. Pay attention to the value range, ensuring your darkest darks and lightest lights are well-defined to create depth and contrast.
Focus on capturing the nuances of light and reflection, particularly on the jug and surrounding objects. Use warm and varied colors to depict the interplay of light, and incorporate subtle color variations to enhance realism. As you add texture to the background and reflections on surfaces, embrace a playful approach, allowing for expressive brushwork. Finally, refine your painting with careful detailing and ensure your canvas remains moist to achieve a smooth, blended finish.
Points to remember
Work efficiently with acrylics to leverage their fast-drying properties.
Simplify scenes into abstract patterns by squinting.
Consistent practice makes still life setups more intuitive.
Use a retarded medium to keep paint wet for blending.
Ensure darkest darks are thick enough to prevent show-through.
Segment shapes and soften edges for a rounded appearance.
Match reflection colors to objects for realism.
Use a mall stick for precise lines with a small brush.
