Tony Conner paintings in watercolor » still life

New painting – “Glass On Glass”

TC — Thu, 06 May 2010 14:01:43 +0000

"Glass On Glass"

What, then, to do when the usual subjects are not inspiring me at the moment? The solution generally is to do something different. In this case placing a group of wine bottles in front of my studio’s picture window with the intention of painting some compositions. This work “Glass on Glass” is the first painting completed. Glass is difficult due to its combination of transparency and reflectivity. In the case of this painting, I focused more on the transparency and worked on capturing the various value and color shapes created by the overlapping of the transparent bottles and the areas where the opaque labels blocked the transparency. Shapes colors and values were all simplified and some realism was sacrificed in favor of pattern and rhythm .

Another choice made in order to mix things up and get the creative and inspirational juices flowing was to work on a different surface. In this case, I painted on Arches 140lb hot press paper. I generally use this paper for architectural illustration work as it has the advantage of being relatively correctable. It’s press surface prevents the pigment from settling down into the paper fibers. The effect is to enhance transparency – a perfect attribute for a subject such as glass.

This work will be framed and on display in my studio for Open Studio Weekend, May 29 & 30, 2010.

Below is a quick prep sketch done in a watercolor sketchbook and from a different point of view.

The bottle arrangement is still set up and another painting is underway – more to come.

Contact me if you have an interest in this or any other paintings on the site. Email me at tc@tonyconner.com or by phone at 802-375-5548.

“Just Desserts” – Art Exhibit, North Adams Artists’ Cooperative Gallery

TC — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:21:08 +0000

"Bowls on Striped Tablecloth"

Exhibit on view from February 25 to March 22, with an Opening Reception which is open to the public on Thursday, February 25th, 5-7 pm

Just Desserts: the sweet and not-so-sweet juried art exhibition featuring fine art and fine craft created by its members and nonmember regional artists.

As the title of the exhibition suggests, a representational array of non-edible artistic delights and objects associated with serving dessert will adorn the gallery’s front hall exhibition space. Not all of the art has a literal interpretation of being something sweet, however, as “just desserts” can suggest something entirely different.

Please join us for the opening reception to be held on Thursday, February 25th, 5-7 pm that will surely be delicious!

New Work, Think Spring

TC — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 19:59:24 +0000

March in Vermont is when you can begin to anticipate spring, although it is not guaranteed to arrive until May!. My Monday morning painting class is a group of ladies who are interested in subjects that are found in classical still life paintings – dishes, fruit, & flowers. Recently, we began painting a floral composition – partly to learn some techniques that work well for this kind of work, and partly because we are all looking forward to the coming of spring. My painting turned out surprisingly nice, considering that it was painted over the course of 4 weeks – I would work on it during our class for demonstration purposes and then put it aside until the next class. Also, it is rare for me to paint still life, particularly those that are somewhat formal in nature, like this one.

In any case, here is the finished work, aptly titled “Classroom Composition”. The work is 13 1/2″ H x 9 1/2W and currently hangs in my studio.