Mandarin and Grapes Study with Oil

Had fun with this little painting today! 🙂
See More: www.vanessawithun.com
Had fun with this little painting today! 🙂
See More: www.vanessawithun.com
I previously shared a portrait study I was working on. Here are some more details to that. I was surprised to learn how much red is in this painting. I am always done with this one, and although it is not exact, I am okay with it because I have learned so much. I plan to do more of these in the future.
Here are some of the steps: Drawing and “Dead Coloring Stage”
I received a pink carnation flower for Mother’s Day and decided to pair it with some green apples. I arrange my still life as if it were a landscape–with depth and movement.
See more: www.vanessawithun.com
Hope everyone who celebrates had a happy Thanksgiving. Like many of you, I am looking forward to the continuation of the holidays! My solo show in Savannah was a success. Some of my paintings found homes.
Since I have not posted a painting in a while, I will post this one I am currently working on…
I didn’t know how realistic I wanted this to be, but I wanted to tease the viewer somewhat. Would love to hear your thoughts. What do you think of when you see a rose, specifically a yellow rose? Most people think of pink or red when you say the word rose.
This is a painting a began about a year ago. I decided to put it away and sort of forgot about it until recently. I remember being unsure about it back then, but there were elements I really liked. I painted this from my imagination. Today, I decided to add some touches to it to bring out the contrast and color. I also used a different medium back then, so I don’t want to do too much to change the effect of the old medium which consisted of a special old masters blend. Wood panels have been one of my favorite surfaces, besides linen, to work on.
See more: www.vanessawithun.com
I started off with a simple set up for this one using only two of each kind of fruit. I then decided something was missing, so I added the fruit in the shadows. I wanted to implement the stylistic features of Chiaroscuro paintings, which emphasizes dark to light.
Available here: https://vanessawithun.com/still-life/
This painting is based on a beautiful photo taken by my husband. I was present when he took it, so I was able to absorb some of the scenery. I added my own touch, of course. I asked people on FB and Instagram to give me a name suggestion, and someone suggested the name “untouchable.” I really liked the touch of irony in the name as I attempt to draw you in with the textures.
My reflection for this painting is to continue to pursue what makes you happy!
I’ve gotten asked several times by people why do I paint given my background. Honestly, I don’t have a good answer. I was in the Army, have gone to nursing school, and hold two bachelor degrees, but I chose to pursue art out of the many things I could have done. I think art was always in me. I had several relatives that were artist, and my uncle is a well know graffiti artist (No it’s not Banksy!). I grew up in Bronx, NY in what you would consider a “rough” area with a single mom, and was able to get through college on my own. It wasn’t until later in life that I began to draw. It took a couple of years to call myself artist, but five years into my art journey, here I am doing this and with no compulsions to quit. I hope that my art and words inspire someone to not give up, and to pursue what makes them happy despite what others think.
This painting and a few others are now available for sale on my website. Simply click and scroll down to the painting: https://vanessawithun.com/
I painted this one a few months ago with acrylic. Today, I decided to go over some of the painting with oil. There are certainly more textures, and there is a bit more realism. I’m actually happy with the turnout. The combination of acrylic and oil allows me to take advantage of both mediums. Although I prefer oils, I sometimes paint my under-paintings with acrylic for faster drying time and better coverage.
I was able to find a frame for this one, so looking forward to this drying. Will also be making this available on my website soon!
I’ve actually decided to put some of my work for sale on my website with a payment option. Shipping is free in the United States. 😊
Purchase here: https://vanessawithun.com/still-life/