Color Studies

I have decided that shadows are a nemisis.  Specifically what a color does as it is in shadow or shade.  My friend Dave Connolly recommended some color block studies.  He mentioned he knocked out about 12 during a painting class.  I made some blocks and set up a couple of different settings to see what the effect were. 
The shading was added by adding cobalt blue, to the direct light color (Top color) to the medium side and then more cobalt for the shade side.  Where necessary, I added prussion blue to intensify the dark.  I should have color balanced because the table cloth is white.  The shadows were created by adding the complimentary color to the block in shade. 

1st painting Backlit.  Strong Colors with backer wall.  The red block is floating a bit.  I tried to correct on 2nd picture by darkening the lowest area of the shaded side. 



2nd Photo.  Backlit, lighter colors.  Two big changes here was the addition of reflected color and varying the side colors to allow the block to appear more natural. 

Blue Vase

Never set up for a Still Life.  Til now.  I pulled a bed sheet out and set up some lighting.  I could still use some drawing practice, but I am happy with the colors.  I cant make the photo look like the painting, so it does not appear exact. 

Backlit Pine

This was how I spent my lazy day today.  Bushwork underneath with some heavy pallet knife work to complete. 

Very much fun. 

Rising Moon Glow

My approach was Plein Air, but it was all done in studio. I snapped a photo of the moon rising early in the evening, It was still rather bright, but it was casting such a glow. In keeping with the approach, it was about 75 min.

5x7 Oils on Hardboard.