This very traditional array of objects is what you see when you walk in to the Nevins Adult Day Health Center.
To have such a welcoming set up I could not be anything but intrigued by it. I decided to turn this into a step by step exercise using acrylic paints and using them the same way I would use transparent watercolor paints.
I start it with an accurate drawing of the subject, paying special attention to the shape of the objects.
Arrangement with Teapot, Cup and Saucer
Click to enlarge -Teapot Drawing
Being able to make an accurate drawing gives a chance to study the objects in front of me. Such as the texture, the colors, decorations on the ware, the petals of the poinsettia plant, the doily on the table, the surface of the table and the total surroundings. In other words even if these are very common objects; learn to see them as if you are seeing them for the first time.
It is very important at this time to also study the effect that the light and shadows and the highlights play in the composition. Although the subject matter is an unanimated one, as a "painter" I want to bring life into it.
Also, because I know that who ever took the time to decorate that institution with such a home touch such as this, must care a lot.
Start with very light washes at all times and build up to the intensity of tonality necessary. For the background use a mixture of A, D, F, allow to dry, then apply another layer to the shadow on the wall projected by the objects.
To A, D, F add E and paint the shadows underneath petals, paint the holes in the doily. (Painting the negative space will form the positive and this is how lace or doilies such as the one here can be accomplished) also paint shadow produced by the doily on the table. With a light mixture of C, paint the red flower in the center of the doily. When dry add to C a bit of B and glaze over it to start to shape the flower.
With A (remember to work light to dark, just like you were using transparent pigments, although these are acrylics) paint the upper and lower rim of the teapot, also the blue line below the upper rim, continue with the same color and paint the knob on lid.
Now, start to paint the decoration on the ware, such as F for the leaves on teapot, and the edge of the doily. With C and E, paint poinsettia petals and flowers on teapot. With C and G paint the Canadian maple leaves on the saucer and teacup,
allow to dry. With D and G, paint rims of teapot and saucer. Mixing E and F continue to define leaves on saucer and teapot, allow drying.
Now it is time to start to shape the objects, using A and B shape teapot by shading the left side of it and following contour of object, also use the same mixture on the knob of lid and teacup and saucer. Cast the shadow from the objects on the doily.
click to enlarge - - Finish painting- -
Lastly, add the highlights. At this point, whether you are using transparent watercolor or opaque watercolor you have some choices. One way would have been to plan the highlights and use the white of the paper; this is what most purists would have done. Another choice for transparent pigments would be to use "China White" (Study John Singer Sargent's watercolors for example). The choice I took with acrylics was to take advantage of the opacity of the white paint therefore highlights are placed on, rims of teacup and saucer, knob on teapot and along the spout and the belly. This is achieved with the paint diluted to a very thin consistency then applied and allowed to dry, then repeat step going to a deeper intensity.
Acrylic paint is such a versatile medium that it can be used to your heart's content, either very opaque or very transparent. Most likely to be used transparently the best results are on watercolor paper. When used opaque the surfaces that will accept the paint are unlimited.
