Shaker

"Alone," oil on panel, 6x8. Private collection

Long ago, one of my goals was simplicity in painting. At least in small works, simplicity and confident brush work can carry the day. This painting was done alla prima during a period of daily small paintings. I did a still life almost every day for a long while. The majority were 6x8 on a gesso panel. 

This work was one of the most successful of that big body of still life. First I laid on and wiped off a thin raw umber wash. Mindful of the value provided by the wash, I laid in a minimal outline plus the very darkest darks on the cap and rim. On the glass of the shaker I laid on flake white from the tube in three places, then in darker tints to show surfaces. The painting was finished off with the white reflections below the glass of the shaker.