Showing posts with label strawberry fields. Show all posts
Showing posts with label strawberry fields. Show all posts

Saturday, March 12, 2016

"Strawberry Pickers" (oil on stretched canvas; 16" x 20")


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I have been working on this painting of two young women picking strawberries at Schlagel Farms in Charles County, MD on and off for several years.  The thing that bothered me most was the figure's hands on the left.  While I was at it, I also redid the strawberry fields surrounding the women and the trees in the distance.  I am finally satisfied with "Strawberry Pickers" and swear I will NOT touch it again!


After second reworking in 2014

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

"Strawberry Pickers" (oil on stretched canvas; 16" x 20" x 1 1/2")




In case you are thinking that I haven't painted much in May, here is what I have been up to.  I have been busy taking care of my family and garden.  I have been also working on old paintings to see if I can improve them.  As an oil painter knows, an oil painting is not finished until the artist cannot take it anymore!

For instance, look at the old "Strawberry Pickers" below.  I was no longer happy with the painting I did in 2011.  Although I liked the gestures of the figures, the rest of the painting lacked oomph.  In the "after" version above, the colors are more saturated and brushstrokes are more confident.  These days I paint as if I mean it.  The painting is filled with the joie de vivre.  I am bursting with energy so much that the painting doesn't stop at the edges and continues into the sides!

The painting is about the celebration of joyous spring, luscious strawberries and, above all, carefree youth.  The updated version conveys the message more clearly, don't you think?


"Strawberry Pickers" in the original state; what's up with all the busy strawberry leaf details in the foreground!

"Strawberry Pickers" viewed from the left side

"Strawberry Pickers" viewed from the right side