Monday, July 16, 2012

Using Copper Reflections in a Still Life


Copper is a great element to add to still life pastels. Depending on lighting, how tarnished it is, or whether it picks up reflections from other objects, copper can assume many different co Copper is a great element to add to still life pastels. Depending on lighting, how tarnished it is, or whether it picks up reflections from other objects, copper can assume many different colors. I like the color red and I can always find a way to work some red into a copper still life pastel. Being metallic it usually has a vivid highlight picked up from the lighting. I can use that as an anchor to build the design of a pastel painting around. People invariably love bright reflections on a metal surface. Its attractive to the eye and it gives the viewer a place to start, before looking at the rest of the painting. In other words copper in a stil life makes a great center of interest. Heres an example of one of the many still life efforts Ive done involving copper. Its available for sale and the contact information to learn more is pmcreedon@optonline.net or visit my website: pecreedon.com
Still life of camelias in a vase and a copper pitcher
Camelias by Paul Creedon