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Reflections1985 Watercolor on paper 22.0" x 30.0" Private collection With this still life, I began to set up compositions and light them, rather than rely on chance photographs. These bottles sat on the dresser in my bedroom, and I placed a mirror under them for maximum reflection. It has always been one of my favorite works and now belongs to my daughter, Starrs. I start all my paintings with a precise drawing, but it is especially important in watercolor, where changing your mind is not an option. Reflections was quite a challenge, and I spent days, maybe weeks, just drawing the image. The composition is essentially diagonal, with the upper left containing trailing ivy and a woven basket, all very natural. Then the glass bottles take up most of the rest - cool, hard, breakable, yet made warm and sensuous by the liquids inside. I added the turquoise scarab, the cloisonné bracelet, and the African box for color accents, and I filled in the negative space with a cool blue to contrast with the warm orange-brown that's the predominant color. |