Two firsts
Posted: August 24, 2020 Filed under: Uncategorized 37 CommentsThere were two firsts for me today. After over 2000 blog posts (!) this is the first time I sketch a cantaloupe. Also a first for me today: I gave my brush a very good rinse in a cup of tea I was drinking. Not a gentle dip but a really good swim that required a full wash of both the brush and the tea cup.
The colour of cantaloupe is quite delicious to mix. I really wasn’t sure what to use, but I had a blob of Cadmium Orange on my palette, so I started with that. For the lightest part of the melon, I added a bit of yellow and for the part that was backlit, I added some Transparent Orange from Schminke. That seemed to do the trick. I think with colour this bright, you want to get it right the first time with a big juicy wash that is as juicy as the melon itself.
Shari Blaukopf's Sketchbook 
Great colors on the melon and shadow washes. What took you so long?
LikeLike
I’m not sure what took so long… Now I’ll have to get a watermelon and do that too.
LikeLike
This looks good enough too eat! Not so sure the tea was good enough to drink!
LikeLike
That’s funny. No, the tea went straight down the sink but I ate the melon!
LikeLike
How timely is that!? I just finished cutting up two melons! Your painting is fantastic! The colors are so true- for the first time, it is a winner 👍😁
LikeLike
Thanks Linda. I hope you melons were as delicious as this one.
LikeLike
I thought for sure you were going to say you used some of the tea water to dilute the orange. That melon does look juicy, all right! Very well done.
LikeLike
I realized after that I should have tried that too. Next time!! Thanks Lois.
LikeLiked by 1 person
💛💛💛That looks so fresh Shari! 😍 Awesome sketch as usual!!
We had some great cantaloupes this year. Are you familiar with serving cantaloupe wedges sprinkled with a mixture of ground ginger and brown sugar? Try it if you haven’t already!
LikeLike
Pam, what a great idea. I love ginger! I will definitely try this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So juicy my mouth is watering.
Wonderful composition.
LikeLike
Thanks Alison!
LikeLike
Your cantaloupe is perfect!!
LOL about cleaning your brush in your tea! I’ve ALMOST done that myself.
LikeLike
Laurie, I think I will take up the suggestion of using a cup with a lid when I paint. Maybe you should too : )
LikeLike
I love the melon, perfect art for a hot summer’s day
LikeLike
Thanks Beth!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Shari! You are a brave heart for admitting that! Also the colour in the oranges parts is spot on!!!
Also I only drink with cups with lids when I paint!!😳
Stay well, stay safe, keep inspiring us too!!
We all need the smiles!
Thanks so much,
Angie🌈
LikeLike
Great to hear from you Angie. Now you are telling me I have to dig out my cup with the lid. I think I still have it from my commuting to school days. Hope you are doing well too!!
LikeLike
I don’t like cantaloupe but love this painting!
LikeLike
Thanks so much for writing!
LikeLike
You really nailed the colors in this luscious fruit!!! Well done!
LikeLike
Thanks Joan!
LikeLike
That turned out beautifully. I like the dark background too.
LikeLike
Thanks Cathy!
LikeLike
Coffee has been included in some of my colors…..always a fun thing when I’m with my painting group. We laugh, and pour that second cup. Good idea to have a lid on it. I don’t have any orange on my pallette. Will have to get some rather than trying to make it. it is never bright enough.
LikeLike
Yes, that orange is really great because it’s transparent. I also add it to Cerulean Blue when I want to make a grey sky. They mix beautifully together.
LikeLike
Beautiful. Juicy!
LikeLike
Thanks so much Betsy.
LikeLike
Delicious!
LikeLike
I was good. I know that because I ate those two slices of melon a few hours later.
LikeLike
Nice Cantaloupe Painting, I really like how you captured the rich colours.
LikeLike
Thanks so much Shawn!
LikeLike
Looks yummy!
LikeLike
Thanks Kirk. It was!
LikeLike
congrats on your post milestone, I once took a sip of water from the glass I use to rinse my brush! I mean, who hasn’t done that!?!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Maureen. I haven’t actually done that. My water containers never look like drinking glasses, so that might not happen, but you never know!!
LikeLike
That is excellent..did cantaloupe years ago..turned out well..
Brenda
LikeLike