Nutcrackers Three

Nutcrackers Three
Acrylic on masonite, 4x6
purchase here

Yesterday's subject literally jumped out at me as I was unpacking nutcrackers to put in my youngest son's room.  After having so much fun painting them yesterday, they are my "go to" subject for tonight!  I started this composition out by painting the dark background negatively around the figures, cutting in each dark spot until their forms emerged.  I have not sketched out a single painting since I took that portrait class - and I like the easy flow of it!  It is as if I can switch things around freely, because I have not already committed by putting down the lines.  So, I guess you could say I am living outside the lines now, and the possibilities are endless!  Can you believe I am still using that limited palette?  All of these bold colors came from just yellow oxide, cad red light and medium, red oxide, alizarin crimson, indanthrene blue, and white and mars black.  I find the palette very natural, and the color harmony is easy when so few colors are used.  I did think I would want to reach for a cad yellow on this one, but I found I could make the yellow oxide work with a little white for that pop in highlights.  I am going to have to find more nutcrackers, I hear them calling my name!  Painting number 1072 in 1072 days, and Christmas draws closer every day!  Yikes!