Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Transparency and Reflections

The blue and white placemats are printed with ads for local businesses.
 
Reflections, gouache (black, white, ultra blue, raw umber), 5x8 inches
The creamer and the juice glass distort the patterns of the placemats in different ways. One reflects them, and the other refracts them. 

To the left of the base of the juice glass, there's an arc of light, a caustic projection of window light.


Here's what I'm looking as I put in my order for the turkey burger deluxe (+ grilled onions, lettuce, tomato and a side of fries). When Ann brings the plates steaming from the kitchen, I lift up the art studio and set it on the napkin holder.
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8 comments:

HNK said...

James, what are the circles next to quote? Great painting, it is really amazing how you captured such effects of distortion on these both subjects.

James Gurney said...

HNK--Coffee rings!

Steve said...

Where else can we turn to find an alchemical mixture of Thomas a Kempis, caustic projections, and turkey burgers deluxe, along with a side of gouache? The nourishing joys of Gurney Journey.....

Corey said...

Hi James... Im a long time lurker and fan. Ive been trying to follow your color theory outlined in Color and Light. One question I have while I have been working. I usually work in watercolor as a base and work in ink and pastels on top. But I always layer the watercolor in pure colors. Do you layer your colors in watercolor to attain the color you want? Or do you mix on the palette? I have never mixed on the palette.. but it seems like it could be faster than layering. Sometimes I layer the same three color 3-4 times just to get the color and intensity I want. Its a slow process for sure! Thanks James. I love all the knowledge you bring to this community!

Beth said...

Corey, Experiment! Try mixing on the palette and see what you think of it. My painting instructor created beautiful water color paintings this way. Always be willing to try interesting things.

James Gurney said...

Corey, I usually try to get the color I want by mixing on the palette, and layer where necessary to adjust it. Usually when working on the spot there's isn't the luxury of layering primaries, though that method can yield beautiful results.

Wesley said...

James, as with others long time lurker. I am taking a side step here to ask about your lettering. I struggle with my handwriting on a good day and trying to keep all the letters looking the same and sized the same is very difficult for me. I know others seem to have this ability naturally but curious what words of wisdom you would offer.

wesley in North Carolina

James Gurney said...

Wesley, my handwriting is normally almost unreadable. For these lines, I drew a couple of baselines and then just tried to get some rhythm and consistency, like drawing a pattern.