Lessons in White

Back again at the easel after being taken by surprise with a knock-down drag-out flu. 

Whew, am I glad that's over.

While I didn't have it in me to get out on the streets today, I did make it to the studio to paint a still life that I've been thinking about for awhile.

The White Pitcher

8x6"

Oil on Linen Panel

©Kelly Medford

available for purchase here 

I found this little vase at a junk sale and I had to have it as it reminded me so much of one of my favorite painters Morandi. I was instantly attracted to its lovely little bulbous shape and the odd shape of the spout. I also loved the idea of challenging myself with all white. While white and its infinite variations can be tricky, there is something so quiet and inviting about white as it goes into the shadows.

I started this yesterday while I was still quite ill but restless, by just putting in the shape of the vase with a dark transparent brown and white only, something to keep me painting but not engaging me in a full on painting.

This was a good exercise and I benefited from the restraint necessary to carry it out. With the limited color palette I found that there was more room for expressive brushwork and then those dabs of color with the blue printed flowers just set the whole thing off.

You can see or buy today's painting here for $120 on my website

See all other paintings from the 120 Day Project here

Upcoming Italy Workshops for 2013

Paint Rome, Umbria and Venice

click here for details