Thursday, April 26, 2007

Bottles big and small

My painting of the week...bottles. Some of the old bottles I buy at "brocantes". I set up the still life, then Tokala knocked over the small bottle with the twig, so I left it just like that.
This was hard...these bottles with all their transparencies drove me to coffee...after which my body pumped so much caffeiene, I even did an oil. See also Casey's still life with bottles http://fr.blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-Agz0ThsyaL8P0qvejInpNJXD9QY-?cq=1&p=888
Pen and watercolor on Fabriano HP.
30.5 x 45.5 cm
Oil on canvas
22 x 27cm.

25 comments:

Carole said...

Oooh - love the oil painting! Gorgeous colours and fluid brushstrokes. Makes me want to go and paint right now.

Robyn Sinclair said...

These bottles are beautiful, Ronell. I couldn't decide which I loved most, then I noticed the twig (Rosemary?) in the oil painting and was bewitched.

Lin said...

Ronell -- wonderful -- colors, shine, reflections!! way to go!!

Anonymous said...

You've really pulled off this difficult subject well. It reminds me a bit of Cezanne.

Lindsay said...

They are both great but the oil one is stunning! Love the rich colors and shapes!!!

Deborah said...

Ronell, Good for you doing another in oil. They are both great but I have to say I like the watercolor the best. I like the transparency of the watercolors.

Brenda Yarborough said...

What a challenge to do multiple glass bottles! I stress to do just one. They are both really beautiful and I love the rich darkness of the background of the oil, but I have to say I like the w/c best. The transparency of the pigments you used are just so well suited for glass and you've certainly captured the reflections and luminosity well!!

Sandy said...

These are gorgeous I have always admired works in glass - maybe I will give this a go if i have time.

juj said...

These are lovely Ronell. I especially like the watercolor - so subtle. The knocked over bottle with the twig really takes the composition to the next level too. I hope you didn't scold Tokala!

Linda said...

BOTH of these are wonderful! What a great set up, too.

platitudinal said...

You did wonders in capturing those transparent bottles and the reflections on them. Those are really tough effects to achieve. You did a marvelous job. As to the composition, I think the knocked out bottle made it look more natural and captivating rather than a group of bottles standing so straight and erect (like soldiers). I hope you give Tokala a treat for the contribution. And, the oil has such a dramatic flair to it. It makes me want to sing the Habanera!

*In addition to the chewing gum tip, now the coffee tip to further my endeavor in artistic pursue. Ronell, again, thanks for all the tips. (grin & wink)

Ben Quixote said...

Gosh Ronell these are fabulous..think i like the second one best but only a little better...becasue the background shows off the bottles...great contrast to the bottle colors!! AWESOME job!

Margaret McCarthy Hunt said...

I love these Ronell...great work..second one is my fav by a nose...like the red background contrasting the blue and green of the bottles...shows them off

andrea joseph's sketchblog said...

Wow these are brilliant. I can't believe how much work you are creating!! These bottles are just excellent.

Gabriel Campanario said...

glass is so hard to paint, you did a terrific job, love the oil version

Africantapestry and Myfrenchkitchen said...

Thank you for all the comments..I really appreciate it.
Yes, Robyn...it is a hint of rosemary.
And yes, Tokala got a warm hug...like she always gets...like she always demands on getting!
Ronell

caseytoussaint said...

Ronell, these are amazing! Your style is really starting to affirm itself. I don't know which one I prefer- they are so different, but each one expresses a different emotion. In then oil, the bottles really jump out against the earth colored background though.

laserone_ said...

Really gorgeous, I love the colors!

biteyourowntail said...

I do particularly like the top one, with the fallen bottle - it's that suggestion of something happening off the picture which I find draws me. I've been to visit your website and I'm remmevbering the trolley - seems like you have a real knack of suggesting narrative which invites me to make up a story - Cycling for Victory (is that the right title, woman on a bicycle) is another example.

Anonymous said...

I'll bet all those bottles were difficult with their reflections, but you did a great job on them.

Laureline said...

You're a wizard, Ronelle--these are sumptuous. You make me want to paint still lifes!

why said...

i agree that bottles are hard.. but you did great!! love both versions..

Jana Bouc said...

Lovely work! You've inspired me to paint a group of bottles some time soon. I love painting glass and trying to find all the interesting shapes in the reflections. I like the exciting contrasts in the oil painting. Painting glass in oil seems like it would be very challenging--well it was for me when I tried it but you make it look easy.

Teri said...

Fabulous job on these Ronell!! Glass is so difficult and then you add spilt water. Just great!!

Claudia said...

Hello Ronell,
thank you for your comment on my blog!-Nice to hear that you are from South Africa!-Yes, I remember oak trees in Stellenbosch; probably I`ve seen your house...All I know is that where you come from, it's a fantastic country, congratulations!...And congratulations, too,on your last painting!