You’ll rarely find a still life painting from me – my time has been spent developing a portfolio that concentrates in landscapes and seascapes. The oil pastel section of Wetcanvas is having weekly challenges with the objective to base a painting from a list of words that were provided – in my mind this lends itself nicely to painting still life’s.
I’ll be participating in these challenges and have decided to use this as an opportunity to develop my hand at still life’s. One of the words was “yellow” and banana was the first thing that came to mind. So I set about arranging a composition of bananas and a blue plate to photograph – my goal was to create different angles and close-up shots.
In the most humble way possible, I present to you “Bananas and Blue Plate” (oil pastels, 4×6) ~
Bananas and Blue Plate
Oil Pastels by Mary 
Are you going to sell this? It would make for great cards set!!
Hi Laurie, thank you for asking – such a compliment. I haven’t started selling yet – actually just applied for my EIN today (IRS said it could take up to three weeks). I’m working behind the scenes on the website, once everything is in place I’ll get an announcement out. You’ve made my day – thank you so much!
This looks so realistic!
Thank you Mamie!!
This is awesome Mary ! Love the colors and the movement within your painting. Makes the bananas come alive.
Thank you Emily – I handled those beautiful bananas so much in creating still life set-ups they were thoroughly bruised by the time I took the pictures LOL! The oil pastels went from yellow to funny browns, greens, and grays. The blue plate was a nice break – glad you liked it!
You are an amazingly versatile artist, Mary. The way you step outside your comfort zone, challenging yourself, it is impressive and a good lesson in and of itself for those of us who are just starting. This still life is incredible in my humble opinion. I enjoy that I can discern the different parts of the banana (thanks to the negatives) and I’m particularly fascinated with the reflected light on the plate. Now I’m going to go make some banana ice cream and take a piece of banana nut bread out of the freezer =)
Hi Scott, you have such a way with words – can’t thank you enough. In the scheme of things, I have so few years under my belt in the art world (two) that I’m still considered a youngster and have so much learning ahead of me – so I’m still starting out but, thank you for the compliment. I’ll really be outside my comfort if you guys start to see me paint florals or portraits LOL, then you’ll all be laughing right along with me. I hope you enjoyed your banana ice cream and banana nut bread!
Beautiful composition , Mary !
Love it ❤
Thank you my friend Violet – appreciate your lovely words!
Hi Mary, I’m still trying to get back into my routine since I came back from my trip, but I’m glad I made time to read some posts. As Cindy said, I am also amazed at how you challenge yourself. I think it is the only way to grow as an artist. I love the bananas against the blue. Also you have captured the top of the banana beautifuly. The only thing I would change is the direction of the banana in the corner. Great job!
Thanks so much Patricia for your supportive comments, you know I really appreciate hearing your opinion. Nice to have you back, looking forward to seeing your paintings!
A still life…you definitely surprised me. The bold colors make me think of Patricia’s work. Remember her avocados? I am so impressed with how you challenge yourself. Good job!
Hi Cyndi, you are so nice – thank you for your supportive and encouraging comments. When the word was yellow, this is the first thing that came to mind – can’t imagine what it will be next week. I guess for me this is really bold, lol ~
OH, I like it! Love the way you arranged really interesting negative space!
Hey you know how to make me smile – thanks very much Elena. You noticed the negatives, cool!
I think they’re beautiful on the blue! xx
You are kind – thanks very much! Perhaps the fabric on the table should be a different color – will think about it some more.
I’ve always enjoyed yellow with that shade of blue. Indigo? Cobalt maybe. Very nice still life, Mary!
Hi Elisa, thank you! Great combination of color right – I agree with you. I thought about the blue as soon as I knew bananas was going to represent the color yellow. The blue is a combination of mainly cobalt, some Prussian blue and a bit of magenta to give it darkness.