Resolve to Paint

For the first time in a long time, my New Year's resolutions don't include losing weight or getting healthy. I achieved those over the past couple years.  That being said, I don't think my weight is perfect, but in a healthy range. I do plan on keeping on track; it's become a lifestyle for me and as such, I don't fret over it.

This year I intend to try to create more and to keep painting, a little every day. Now that the holidays are a memory, the tree is down and decorations put away, I've pulled out my oil paints again. This is the first in many weeks and only my second or third painting (one was done in class). Ever. So, don't expect too much.

As mentioned in a previous post, the first step is in creating something to paint. Here's a photo of the still life I chose. Since I had much trouble painting a white tablecloth recently, I chose a white pitcher from my childhood home. I don't know why, but I love the shape of this vessel and have a fondness for it. And the background is one of my favorite colors. The front lemon was actually turned some from this photo as you'll see in my painting.

---

Next, I toned the canvas and did an under painting in black and white. Boring but I find this step very helpful.

---

And here is my attempt to paint the still life. So far. I realize there are some things not right about this painting but this is the results of session one. Some errors such as proportions can't be fixed easily. The learning curve is steep.

---

And last but not least, my signature. Even that needs work!

---

This process is going to take a L O N G time to master, I can tell. But Perseverance is my middle name. Please feel free to offer suggestions, help, advice. Obviously I need all.