After wishing I could hit “rewind” to get the tomato vines/stems and patterned cloth back in the November Tomatoes oil painting, I realized that I could just paint them back on thanks to the wonders of oil paint.
For reference material I used the photo of the original painting and the tomato vine/stems that I’d snipped off but still had (having saved them for my cats to play with). I experimented first in Photoshop, “painting” stems on the photo of the previously “finished” painting to try to come up with a design that carried the eye around and not out of the painting.
Then I mixed up some stem colors and had fun swirling them on the painting. I worked a bit more on tomatoes, shadows, added some color and reflections in the bowl and painted the background again. I think it’s a happier picture now, and one that presented me with many learning opportunities. So I’m happier moving on too.
Jana Bouc, Artist 
11 replies on “Tomatoes Try Again”
Yes! Always to see someone keep working on an idea
until it comes to life. This piece is illuminated from
within. How wonderful.
LikeLike
Thanks Kai, That’s about the nicest thing anyone could say–that’s it’s illuminated from within! I am persistent if nothing else, that’s for sure. Sometimes it brings things to life, but just as often does the opposite. I appreciate your encouragement! Jana
LikeLike
This has worked so well with the stems and background (wish I knew how to use photoshop to compose like you do). I still like the freshness of the watercolour, but this oil is fabulous now.
LikeLike
Thanks Sue, I was happy to be able to save it and learn through the process! jana
LikeLike
Even better! and I liked it before! You do amaze me!
LikeLike
Yay! Thanks so much. Jana
LikeLike
I like the changes! And a great idea, to use photoshop to test changes first. Especially compositional things!
LikeLike
It’s good for trying color ideas too. I should use it more often, but I already spend too much time at the computer so often resist using it during painting too. Jana
LikeLike
This is lovely – very loose. When I paint in oils it’s always so tight. I actually thought it was a watercolor when I first saw it on my monitor.
LikeLike
Very joyful tomatoes and table top.
LikeLike
Somehow it added fairy-tale look to the vegetables.
I understand the million comforts of Photoshop and on-line color combinations choosers. But doesn’t the digital tools wipe off the soul and individuality from our paintings? The movement to perfectness.
Just a thought after I read several posts in several blogs, nothing bad about your tomatoes, of course.
LikeLike