These are exercises in oil; first, pears in monochrome, raw umber at the top and ivory black on the lower one. I was beginning to feel how the traditional oil paints and medium went on to the canvas.Then I tried a study in color, (left) following along with Paint Coach, Chris Fornataro. The last pear (right) was painted from life-my own still life set-up.

I love the rich and luscious colors, the depth and form, and the brushing, blending and layering possibilities of the oil paint.