Oranges Light No. 01

So I decided to do the inverse of the last painting series, using the same source photo from before, and just changing the background colors in my head. It was more challenging than I thought it was going to be. Thinking about where to place the shadows because it is not just the same place as where the light parts of the dark version are.

Also, I painted the bowl a couple of times. The first time, there was not enough contrast between the bowl and the background so the bowl was disappearing into the background. I changed the color of the bowl to a different blue to help it stand out.

Oranges Light No. 01

Oranges Dark No. 04

The rightmost orange in the bowl has a funny right side.

Oranges Dark No. 04

Before painting, I typically sketch the objects and shade in where the shadows are. This helps me know where to place my paint.

Sketches before painting

Here’s all four of the paintings together and there are subtle differences between each one like variation in the background and color of the oranges.

All four Oranges Dark paintings

And finally, a palette shot.

The palette I used for these paintings

Oranges Dark No. 03

Third attempt. The oranges at the top of the bowl look particularly cute in this one. I put more emphasis on the little dot where the stem would be.

Oranges Dark No. 03

Oranges Dark No. 02

Another version. Trying some different strokes in the background - horizontal vs vertical.

Oranges Dark No. 02

Oranges Dark No. 01

So, here I wanted to paint a dark background to try something different this time. I usually favor lighter colored backgrounds and brighter, airier paintings. A dark background can make the painting feel more moody or serious.

Oranges Dark No. 01