The composition in this painting evolved as it was painted. That's not a good way to do things, but it was a good learning experience. I started out with just the blue vase, the copper bowl, grapes and oranges. But the arrangement left a large empty background to the right...and even some empty table space right below it. When the painting was nearly complete I decided to see if I could fix the awkward and unbalanced composition by adding the vine leaves and small flowers and the apple along with a couple of grapes. I think it addressed one problem, but created a second one, albeit less noticeable in my opinion. Now I have a vertical on the right as well as the left! An odd composition for sure, but at least the canvas is no longer empty. I'd say the 'fix' worked overall.
I love this vase. I've never used it in a still life before, but I will again. And it is a natural and complimentary foil to the oranges. I enjoyed creating this painting...and I also enjoyed the challenge of the in-progress adjustments.
Blue Vase with Oranges and Grapes. 12 x 16 oil on canvas panel.
The blue is so strong, it takes a lot to balance it. Just for fun I tried copying your painting and then rotating it 180 degrees to put the vase on the right. I like it however it's a personal view The green from the grapes repeating in several areas is pleasing Neil
Hi Neil....that's a great idea about rotating the painting to see if the composition holds up still. I will do that. I've been taught that one other trick to test composition (and other issues) is to turn a painting upside down. Of course, I didn't think to try that either! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
The blue is so strong, it takes a lot to balance it.
ReplyDeleteJust for fun I tried copying your painting and then rotating it 180 degrees to put the vase on the right.
I like it however it's a personal view
The green from the grapes repeating in several areas is pleasing
Neil
Hi Neil....that's a great idea about rotating the painting to see if the composition holds up still. I will do that. I've been taught that one other trick to test composition (and other issues) is to turn a painting upside down. Of course, I didn't think to try that either!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and commenting!