Yellow Roses and Swedish Tapestry

Yellow Roses and Swedish Tapestry,6x6", oil by Jeffrey Smith

I really wanted to try out a yellow background.  I not sure why. That was my over riding thought as I was heading to the studio this morning.  I have had a couple of ideas for larger still life paintings recently using yellow, black, and white. 

Upon arriving at the studio, I opened up the cabinet that holds all of my fabric backdrops.  It turns out, the only yellow that I had was a blue and yellow Swedish table runner.  “No problem.” I thought. “I’ll just repeat the pattern and use it as a wall treatment.”  I’m very pleased with the result.  It gives a wonderful feeling to the space that exists behind the yellow roses and footed silver bowl.

Yellow Flowers in a Magenta World

Yellow Flowers in a Magenta World, 5x7",pastel by Jeffrey Smith

I can’t even think of the last time I did a pastel still life.  I had this composition all set up.  I had a square oil painting panel out and ready to go.  I was about to get out the oil paints themselves, and get to work.  

As I looked back at my set up, I couldn’t help but see it as a  pastel painting;  the wonderfully vivid color of the magenta background blending with the blue objects on the table and the tablecloth itself.  All of that contrasted against the yellow floral arrangement, and green bowl. 

I worked on an Ampersand Pastelboard for this little painting.  Because of the even tooth and the ability to layer and layer pastel on the board, I would definitely recommend them to anyone working in pastel.  I can see really see how the Pastelboard would work well with a gouache or watercolor under-painting.