Yellow Bell Pepper Still Life

Yellow Bell Pepper – 6" x 6" Oil on Gessoed Masonite Panel – SOLD

This pepper was bought for dinner however it was so bright and cheery, I was compelled to paint it.

For still lifes I typically work on canvas panels, however when beginning this painting I decided to try working on a masonite panel again. In the past I have had mixed results with the slick surface of these panels, however for this painting it just worked out. This painting was also painted on a burnt sienna and flake white ground. Most often I use a medium gray that is slightly cool to paint still lifes on, the rational is that the cool gray will immediately pop the subject matter out and make I more interesting. However since this still life was setup with this bright blue backdrop, I wanted to tone it down some without graying it out, so I thought the more warm ground would play well with the cool color of the cloth while reinforce the warm vibrancy of the yellow pepper. I think it worked out.

Here is a detail of the highlight and warm glow that occurs in the shadow area of the bell pepper, because they are slightly translucent.

For the rest of the week the paintings I will post will also be painted on a warm burnt sienna and flake white ground. For me this experience reinforces the need to always experiment and try new things out.

Thanks for stopping by, Liz