This is a plein air sketch from my rental backyard in Maine, which has a big, red umbrella as well as a massive oak tree for shade. At certain times of day the umbrella gets shaded by the oak tree, which creates a neat value contrast underneath. While I didn’t get the pass through lighting just right, its always satisfying to get an object like an umbrella properly drawn.
On a compositional note, I definitely will look to do a future painting of an umbrella from this underneath perspective. I really like the mystery it creates whereby the viewer has no idea what’s happening on the table, or even in the background below 3 or 4 feet. Oddly enough, the lack of a “bottom” seems to continually redirect me back into the composition. Does it work that way for you, too?
This study doesn’t make the cut for a “real” painting, but it was fun to draw, so perhaps I might try another angle one day soon. In the meantime I’ll keep an eye out around town for a bright, colorful patio umbrella for a proper painting effort.
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Art Bern 