Several years ago I found an artist online, Mark Carder, whose work and methods I’ve come to appreciate and admire. He’s an established oil painter who specializes in realism from portraits to still life’s – his wife Emily is also a painter. Mark has generously shared his knowledge and techniques through a wide selection of youtube video’s. They are inspirational and have helped me grow tremendously as an artist.
Below are studies that I painted using acrylic paints, The Jar with Oil and The Pear based on several youtube video demonstrations that Mark Carder did. Both pieces measure 5.5 x 7.5 and were done on Canson Canva-paper. Mark has a slow and methodical approach to painting, continually stresses to get your values right and spend time in mixing/matching colors correctly. These studies were excellent exercises of the concepts, because no matter your medium the technicals are the same – I’m learning to see, be patient and appreciate the nuances of my paints.
Thank you for visiting ~
Oil Pastels by Mary 
Thanks Mary for liking my post and for sharing this artist with us!
I’ve subscribed on his YouTube channel and looking forward to seeing more of his work.
Best wishes for a healthy peaceful and gratifying year!
You are welcomed – his youtube posts are excellent. He also sponsors an artists online community that you can get to through his website. I’ve learned a lot from him. Best wishes to you as well – great to see you again!
So beautifully real!
Thank you so much for your beautiful comment!
You are welcome 🙂
You make Mark proud with that jar of oil, it is exceptionally realistic! Merry Christmas Mary! Here’s to a creative 2018 🙂
Thank you so much Madhu for your generous comment, they really mean so much. Thank you also for your Christmas greeting – Merry Christmas Madhu. I’m looking forward to the many special scenes I know that awaits us from your wonderful travels throughout 2018 – best wishes to you and yours!
They are wonderful, Mary. It’s great you have found an inspiring tutor online. I had a quick look at Mark’s YouTube videos; fascinating.
Thank you Gallivanta – Mark’s youtube video’s are very instruction, from many perspectives. He is an amazing artist, glad you checked him out.
Beautiful paintings. Love a painting with a pear.
Hi Anne, thanks very much – always appreciated!
Superb rendering of light and textures
Thanks Derrick, appreciate your read on the paintings!
Beautiful paintings, Mary! The jar with oil is so real. 🙂
Thank you Amy, it was a good exercise – appreciate your feedback!
Both are stunning.
Thank you so much Susan!!
WOW – this is incredible – The Jar of the oil carry special meaning in our Jewish and christian tradition in Middle East!!
I was about to sign off and saw your response to the painting come in. I didn’t realize the significance of The Jar of Oil to the Jewish and Christian traditions in the Middle East, Mihrank that makes this piece all the more special and I’m glad that you embraced it so. Thank you Mihrank for writing this special message, it means a lot and is greatly appreciated. Many blessings to you and your family.
Wow! I thought the jar of oil was a photo. Beautiful, Mary!
Thanks Jill for your response – they were fun studies to paint besides the learning part. Glad you enjoyed the pieces.
So special, thank you Lis – means a lot. Merry Christmas to you!
Thank`s ❤
Mary, your studies yield wonderful results! I wouldn’t dare have that jar of oil on my table, as I am sure I would spill it. The pear would just get eaten. Thank you for sharing your wonderful work! I love it.
Thank you so much Resa these demonstrations were excellent to work from – they reinforced the fundamentals and I also learned what these acrylics can do. Thanks and have a great weekend.
Ohhhh the jar with oil is so real , i was almost fooled !
Thank you Novus – it was a great still life demonstration to work off of. I learned a lot – thanks again.
👍