Still Life No 1
In my last post, I challenged anyone who so wished to join me in doing a series of still lifes – each with only two objects. I’m really excited that there was such a good response.
Here’s my first in this series. I hadn’t worked with pastels in a long time, so it was good to get back into that medium, which I love. Difficult though. I’m not sure if I’ll do the rest in pastel or some other medium. It’s also surprisingly hard (I find) to set up an interesting still life with only two objects. The rules of the project say that I can only change one of those objects for the next one. I think I’ll lose the book.
Here it is. Looks, easy, huh? Not for me though……
Also, if you’re interested in still life, check out this collective blog, where a group of artists did a still lif every day for the duration of the Giorgio Morandi exhibit at the Met.
I’ll add this to the Wet Canvas site as soon a I figure out how to reduce its dimensions.
Update – I managed to upload a jpeg – I think it’s too small this time, but at least it’s there.
rue Manuel bis 
it doesnt look easy, it looks beautiful!
It is beautiful Casey.
I was going to join you but life is too crazy right now.
I don’t know about looking easy but you’ve made it look GOOD! Really lovely, Casey. s
Stick with the pastels they work beautifully for this exercise. I’m terrified of pastels but you’ve inspired me to try one in the morning. If I don’t post you’ll know I crash/burned!
Hi Casey – Thanks for stopping by – and what beautiful and skilled artwork you are producing – I especially like the juicy color in your figure studies below! Good luck with your still life series!!
I agree–it is difficult to make an interesting setup of two objects (may be why I didn’t follow-through on this challenge originally), but you’ve done it! The glass is lovely, and I love the soft light.
Casey
Thank you for checking out my work.
Wow …I am quite taken in by your beatiful life studies.
I am so glad I found your work which is so inspiring.
Regards
Trevor
You’ve pulled it off, and it definitely is NOT easy. The glass sparkles, and the book looks beautifully antique…
This caught my eye right away when you posted it on flickr. It’s stunning, Casey! You should frame it!
Simply GORGEOUS!
Wow, great pastel, Casey. Beautiful reflections in the glass. Can’t wait to see the next one.
It’s amazing. Reminds me somehow of the guy who paints the everyday objects, like peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and sells them online. don’t know why it reminds me of him…but it does. Must be the ordinary-ness of the objects. Either way…this is a great drawing, wonderful colors.
I THINK IT’S GREAT! the glass is so good….
good job!
A beautiful still life Casey…you’ve captured so much atmosphere. I always love your pastel work…
ronell
Oooh! A change in the blog look – I like it!
I also like the still life… You’ve really captured the texture of that book. I can feel the soft, aged leather and smell the musty decay.
I like the still life and the challenge…though I’m mid way in a different challenge. I read an article about the Morandi exhibition in the “Art in America” Magazine. It was interesting and inspiring.
Dear Casey,
I was thinking of “seeding” a new blog with your challenge. Tell me if this is OK with you–else I’ll remove it. I met with my group yesterday (for only the second time). Most would like to continue after our initial Still Life Project. I am thinking of opening it up to other disciplines: Music, poetry, dance. Maybe I’m too ambitious.
I forgot to include the URL:
http://astilllife.wordpress.com/
Casey, I LOVE how you have used your media here. Lovely project and beautiful start. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens.
Such lovely work, Casey! Joyeux Noel et Bonne Annee!
It’s lovely and so very ‘Casey’ This challenge is difficult but will prove rewarding I think. I’m waiting for the oil to dry some before continuing.
Wow, this is just wonderful, I love it Casey, can’t wait to see the next one. I might have to join you and Marta in this challenge!
Nope, doesn’t look easy – from the point of view of textures and perspective, it looks a challenging subject indeed! I think your pastels are terrific, Casey – full of sparkle. Maybe I’ll dig out my own soft pastels and join you sometime this year. 🙂