Painting the winter days away!

I have been enjoying painting this winter.  The first painting I accomplished for the new year is 'Venus on the Shelf' 40x50cm Acrylic on cradled board.  I began with playing the various elements that I had collected. I ordered a range of used books with Venus in the title.  It was really hard not to order some of the books.  What great titles I found to use: Unearthing Venus, The Venus Fixers, Venus Prime, Venus with Bicepts and the list goes on and on.  I couldn't fit in some of the titles I got a kick out of like Venus Envy and Cruel Venus.   

Above are a few of the set ups that I did.  The bottom one is the one I finally decided on.  

​Then I began to paint!  Working back to front. 

I discovered that I need to have a tool to help me see the small details of the still life.  So after hours of trying to find exactly what I was looking for with binoculars I finally contacted an artist who I follow and asked where he got the ones I see him use.  Thankfully artists are so helpful and I received a response right away and had the binoculars ordered right away.  I can't wait to work on my next still life...that will be in March. It is a commission so I won't share until it has been gifted.  :)

It was a real challenge in a number of ways but I was able to stay focus and got through it fairly unscathed.  :) 

This painting is available and can be found HERE.  

I would love to hear what you think of the painting.  Thanks for dropping by.