D. Cheifetz Newsletter | 8.30.19 | Behind A Moonlit Corner
Sent: 8/30/2019 12:32:03 PM

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Dear Subscribers,

Greetings.

.....Continuing from the previous newsletter (Color Ignorance):

I figured it out. At least, I'm happy with it for now. My struggle with this painting was finding just the right balance of color to create a satisfying composition. In previous iterations, the warmer colors and reds were more widely dispersed throughout the painting. Particularly on the rear (right side) apple, which was a deep saturated red. Without context, that secondary apple looked pretty good. It's sometimes hard to let go of something that already looks decent, but everything must be in service of the focus... in service of making a good painting. I gradually kept reducing those areas of warmth, but I was resisting the entire way because in the past I've taken this strategy too far, and with failing results. The confounding factor was the presence of a strong co-focus (the bright light value--and sharp detail--of the foil-wrapped skull). The skull and apple together were so strong that it was necessary to reduce the red in order to reduce the effective size of focus in relation to the size of the entire painting. Hopefully I'm explaining in a way that makes sense. I was also experimenting with the strong greens and subtle purples: How to increase focus towards the skull and primary apple while adding secondary interest to the rest of the painting. I finally found a balance that I like.

The saga of that secondary apple:

The apples in the foreground took similar journeys (also notice the changes at the bottom of the primary focal apple):

And the finished painting, "Behind A Moonlit Corner" (12x24):

Detail:

This painting will debut and be for sale at the CONTEMPORARY REALISM show in December at Gallery 1261.

Trailer: Oil Painting Basics

from

NOH / WAVE ACADEMY

LABOR DAY SALE!

New: The Trailer on YouTube:

New: And another preview clip:

Course description:

"Learning how to paint with oils can be an intimidating prospect. This comprehensive course sets out to clarify and demystify the application of this beautiful medium for even the most inexperienced beginner.

David Cheifetz's method is simple and direct. He paints with a wet-on-wet "alla-prima" approach, a style that is very friendly to the novice artist with no concerns over drying times and complex layering.

From what paint to use, to how to hold a brush, to the secrets of painting a realistic form, Cheifetz will guide you through his uncluttered and powerful approach to oil painting. You are in good hands to launch your painting journey or to sharpen your existing skills."

NOH/WAVE Academy Labor Day Sale: now until Sept 3 at midnight (PST)

20% off all Noh/Wave Academy videos

including my "Still Life Oil Painting"

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Oil Painting Basics (NEW!)

Still Life Oil Painting

Cheifetz Bundle

Sentimental Cherubim

It was just a matter of time. When it comes to painting my kids, I've only done ONE tiny painting of my daughter a few years ago. I'm not sure why I've been putting it off...probably because I suspected that I wouldn't want to sell paintings of my children and it never seems like "the right time" to produce good work that won't be for sale. It recently occurred to me that no matter what age the kids are, I'll want to depict them as they currently are, not how they used to be. So if I didn't start now, the early years would be missing. Also, I needed to shake things up after spending so long on "Behind A Moonlit Corner".

I started a new painting of my son. I'm using both brush and knife. Here is a detail of the work in progress:

Painting cute stuff isn't really my thing. So it's a real change of pace to be painting something that makes me feel all soft and squishy inside. Awwww....

To be continued....

JUST SOLD:

Movie Night

Flrrbl With Red Apples

Thank you for reading! Until next time, best wishes. -David

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