Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Whole, Half and Quarters




These oranges were so bitter that I couldn't eat them! I guess I can make them into juice, but I also figured I could paint them. :-) I started out with transparent watercolor, and ended up adding acrylic to give the painting a boost in color. I guess I can now call this painting either watercolor or acrylic  which can be rather confusing! Most of the time, when on watercolor paper, I see acrylic listed as "watercolor".  Does anyone know the "truth" about whether I should be listing this as acrylic or as watercolor? 

If you would like to purchase this painting, or commission another similar to it, please contact me: jogiesbrecht@gmail.com

20 comments:

Michelle Wiebe said...

They definitely don't come across as bitter in this picture! I love the glossy highlights.

Anonymous said...

You sure do have some nice translucency in those oranges...they look great...
Back in my old school days, the professors who were "purists" felt that any painting utilizing more than one media would be labelled "mixed media" or, in this case, "water media". Though one of my instructors felt that an acrlyic painting painted in a watercolour style (not opaque but transparent) could be labelled a watercolour.

Anonymous said...

Again with the food! It looks so gorgeous. Luminescent.

Unknown said...

Thanks, Michelle. Even though the oranges were bitter, they had lots of juice in them!

Unknown said...

Hi Veronica,

Thanks for that information on "mixed media". In a magazine that I get, it surprised me to read about one artist who is a member of NWS, AWS, TWSA, and several other watercolor societies, whose body of work shown was ALL acrylic on w.c. paper. That is what got me to wondering about whether the classification has changed when acrylic is used in a transparent manner on paper instead of canvas. I think I will have to check out the sites of the societies to see what they indicate there, or e-mail them my question. I'll let you know what I find out. :-)

Unknown said...

Hi Kim,

Yes - food again!

Your comment made me realize that I have done quite a few pieces lately which are on only one subject! Fortunately, I am currently working on something other than food - although I do have a project in mind coming up which will again be along the fruit line. And then in the fall, when my garden comes into its own - watch out!!! :-) Until then, I will try to be conscious of presenting a variety of subject for you to enjoy. Thanks for visiting again!

Anonymous said...

No¡ Please don't stop the food! You are so gifted that you could paint a paper bag and it would be frame-able. Just take my comments with a grain of salt...

Jean Victory said...

Joanne,
I love how you captured the light on the oranges. It's hard to do...you did a nice job.

Frank Gardner said...

You did a great job with the colors in this one.
Looks juicy to me.
I would lean toward mixed media too I think since it is more than one.

Unknown said...

Hi Jean,

Light is the main consideration when I plan a painting, and then color. I really want my paintings to give the impression of being full of light, even in the shadows. Thank you for noticing the light first! :-) You made my day!!

Unknown said...

Thanks for the advice, Frank!

Since both you and Veronica have indicated "mixed media", I will need to create a new page in my website for mixed media - and place this painting in that category. I like that, because I have some projects coming up that could fit into that category also.

Your workshop looks like it was lots of fun - I envy you the warmth so that you could paint outside! Sorry about your palette knife though. How odd for it to break in just that spot!

Thanks for your visit, Frank. Your comments are a great encouragement to me, especially on the days when nothing seems to go right.

Unknown said...

Hey Kim,

Taking your food comments with a grain of salt - you are very punny... (LOL). As for the idea of painting a paper bag - hmmmmm.... I feel an idea for a project coming that has something to do with a paper bag... :-)

Mike said...

Hey JoAnn . . .

Thanks for coming by my blog and making such wonderful comments. These oranges are lovely! It is a lot of work doing a painting this well! :-)

Unknown said...

Thanks, Mike, for your comments and encouragement. Coming from the professor of watercolor, acrylic and oil, I am honored by your remarks. I appreciate your visit.

Alvin Richard said...

I really love this piece. Reminds me of the wonderful woodcut prints of Mary Pratt. Beautiful color combination. I agree, this could be considered as mixed media.

Unknown said...

Hi Alvin,
Thank you for the wonderful comments on this piece. I value your opinion greatly. Mixed media it is! I am happy to have a term to go with on this and other pieces where I will sometimes use both watercolor and acrylic. Thanks for your visit, Alvin.

kim shields said...

I love the ray of light going across the plate and the oranges, Great Job!

Unknown said...

Hi Kim! Glad you are back from your painting workshop - and that you enjoyed it so much! Thanks, too, for your comment on this painting. It is fun to know that many people like the composition and color combination! Talk to you again soon.

Don Gray said...

Delicious color, Joanne. I'd probably say "mixed media." Or you could tell it like it is: "watercolor and acrylic."

Unknown said...

Hi Don,

I guess the general consensus is mixed media - and I could put the description of what that actually means in the description of the painting.

Thank you so much for your visit and comments. I visit your site almost every day and enjoy your skill and the beauty of your paintings. They inspire me and keep me looking for what is beautiful in everyday things.