Apples by glazing (Patreon)

Apples, in my opinion can be a difficult subject to paint as we are presented with a variety of surface textures and edges to describe.

In this video I present the various stages of development I undertake to create realistic red and green apples.

Step1-2.

I start the red apples with a transparent mix of Cadmium red and Umber.

The green apples with Cinnabar Green.

The medium for both is a mixture of oil, dammar varnish and turpentine (recipe in previous post)

While the first layer/block in is still wet I add white to the mix, making the paint opaque for certain areas.

In the red apples I try to keep the paint as transparent as possible.

Sometimes this is not possible and I need to add opaques.

Using a blending brush assists in creating softer transitions.

It is important that the consistency of the paint be similar to that of sour cream.

The aim is to lay down the description of the apples yet keeping the colours quite light and cold.

When the initial layer is dry, I will add transparent paint to add warmth and details.

Step 3.

As soon as the paint has dried I add the transparent paint. The consistency should be liquid, with a small amount on the brush. Keep the brush semi dry, as if rubbing paint into the surface. The paint must not flow/drip down the surface. Using a highly saturated transparent paint glaze and working it with a soft mixing brush is I find, the best way to describe the gloss on red apples. It also makes it easier to add the characteristic spots on the apple.

When this layer has dried, I add the description of the glare. You will see how in this video, but I have described this process in detail in a previous post "Glazing by White"

I used weasel brushes sizes 1-4.

Medium as above.