Acrylic Still Life

Eggs, Orange, and Pear
Acrylic on Watercolor Paper
12 x 6 in/30.48 x 15.24 cm
Copyright Byrne Smith 2016

I'm having fun doing exactly what, when, and how I want to do it--paint, that is. Just think about that.

There aren't too many things in life about which you can say that. What a privilege. What freedom.

Today's image is just a simple still life in acrylic on watercolor paper. Say what you will about the rather bland composition, I will make the case that it's a study in light direction and reflected light and shadows and cast shadows.

You should do simple paintings like this between your larger and longer projects just to keep your skills in tip-top shape.

I hope you are able to say the same thing as above about your own painting and that you're having fun, to boot.

Best.

Acrylic Landscape

Sailing Near Rockport
Acrylic on Watercolor Paper
 12 x 6 in/ 30.48 x 15.24 cm
Copyright Byrne Smith 2016

Today's blog is simply to post my latest acrylic landscape.

I have a pad of Strathmore 140-lb. watercolor paper with the dimensions of 12 in x 6 in (30.48 cm x 15.24 cm). I use this paper size almost exclusively for my smaller landscapes. It's the perfect shape for landscapes, especially the ones I like to paint with broad vistas and long horizon lines.

Watercolor paper makes a good support for using acrylic as if it were watercolor, in my opinion. When you thin down the paint with either water or medium, it's very similar to watercolor because it flows and diffuses in a similar manner.

I like to say you get almost all the great effects of watercolor with acrylic but without all the tedious "rules," and you can make corrections!

I hope you enjoy my painting.