Zinnia Polka original still life painting

I couldn't resist doing another zinnia painting before they are gone for the season. I consider blue bottles a part of light therapy so keep them in the window for catching that blue glow. This little Vicks Salve jar is one of my favorites. I actually remember when they came in the glass jar. I think we had the same one all through my growing up days. I'm experimenting with a gel retarder to keep the acrylic "open" or wet longer. The problem with it is it has a terrible consistancy and is hard to mix into the paint evenly. Any one out there with experience and advice for this material? Acrylic on 7 and 1/2 inches by 8 inches gessoed masonite. SOLD

Catherineholm Bowl With Plums original still life painting by Polly Jones

7 and 1/2" by 8" acrylic on gessoed masonite.

I found this little enamel bowl in a thrift store. I was curious about it and discovered (googling) that it is really collectible these days. It's the product of a famous mid century modern danish designer. I love to paint objects that have a history, and plums. SOLD

A Grape and a Glass original still life painting

Here's the finished painting. 8" by 8" acrylic on gessoed masonite. This little glass is a favorite, a "souvenier" from a hotel in Paris.

Sketch for Grape Glass Painting

Here is the under drawing for a painting I did today. It's overcast and rainy, which prevented me from getting a good photograph of the painting. I thought I would share how I usually begin. After setting up my still life, I draw directly onto the painting board or canvas. This one is an uncradled masonite board that I had previously painted with two coats of gesso. My favorite tool for drawing at this stage is vine charcoal. It's so soft that I can just rub off my mistakes. The charcoal is responsive and fluid. This is the time to work out the composition and get a nice gesture with the larger forms. (well, as large as it gets on an 8 inch square) I then rub off some of the excess charcoal so it won't muddy up the paint. I'll post the finished painting when I can.