Monday, January 28, 2013

Blue Mussel

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I couldn't settle on anything specific to paint tonight and decided to pull out my acrylics for some practice.  After using oils for quite awhile, there is always a bit of a learning curve in using acrylics again.  They're more common lately, as so many people have issues with oil paints and solvents and clean up is easier.

So hunting through my archives I found this little blue mussel shell.  These are so common in Newfoundland seen on every beach it seems and are grown commercially.  Unfortunately I am allergic to shellfish, so simply admire them from an artistic point of view.

This is on a 5" x 7" stretched canvas. I toned the canvas black and like the effect of a little darkness coming through the layers and will use the dark tone again I think.

6 comments:

Christiane Kingsley said...

Good idea to tone the canvas black for this painting.

I cannot use oil paints since I get a migraine within half an hour:-(
I am sorry that you are allergic to shellfish...especially since you live in an area so rich in seafood.

Lisa Le Quelenec said...

You've gotten the ocean worn smoothness perfectly. Shells are such lovely subjects for painting, I like their contrasts.

Jeanette Jobson said...

Yes, I think it adds some interest to the piece. I usually like toning a canvas prior to painting but hadn't gone this dark previously. I've toned a couple of more ready for painting tonight.

I love the smell of oil paint and solvents don't cause problems for me luckily, but I am aware when I do workshops or paint out of the studio that I need to use acrylics so others aren't affected.

I did love shellfish and still wish I could eat it, but I know the consequences, so avoid at all costs. On the good side, the allergy is only when eaten I believe. Handling and being in close proximity don't seem to have the same reaction.

Jeanette Jobson said...

Thanks Lisa. I love shells too and am considering which one I shall paint later. I have an ever growing container of seaside finds. :)

Hedera said...

I'd love to see you do a drawing of this Jeanette... :)

Jeanette Jobson said...

Hedera, it would be quite interesting to draw with all the nuances of value and texture. I just may put on my drawing list.