Featured Artist Arlene Steinberg

Using multiple layers of colored pencil, artist Arlene Steinberg brings everyday objects to life with vivid color and dramatic lighting. Learn more about this artist by visiting her website.

 

 

When I think about my artwork, I usually consider everyday items. Still life has the magical ability to conjure up many emotions and memories.

 

 

Starting out, I often don’t have an overall plan, but rather I group interesting items and place them in varying compositions. I have a beautiful sunny balcony where I can control my layout to best capture the light while playing off the differing textures.

 

 

I primarily work in colored pencils.

 

 

This is probably the slowest medium as pencil strokes are lightly laid onto the paper and blended using layers and layers of pencils. An Icarus Board (a heated board) speeds the process and helps me to blend the pencils creating the overall look of oils.

 

 

Photographs become a necessity due to the time constraint, as live items like flowers would wilt before my drawing is barely started. It is not unusual to take hundreds of photographs for one drawing.

 

 

I use them as references to create my overall still life. Photoshop allows me to move objects from one photo to another trying different compositions, manipulating the lighting, and preserving the fresh look of live items. It gives me the opportunity to design a background, and of course punch up the color!

 

 

Looking at some of my backgrounds, you will notice the influence of my former career as a wallpaper and fabric designer. These graphic qualities provide the right amount of foil for household items, while adding depth and dimension.

 

 

Once I compose my reference photo, I make a detailed drawing. Then the fun begins.

 

 

My goal is for the viewer to see color and light in a new and exciting way. I always want the colors to glow and bounce around. Using complementary colors as an under painting and placing complements side by side adds a special burst of rich saturated values.

 

 

In the end I add the sparkle, little pops of light to grab your eye.

 

Artist Arlene Steinberg invites you to follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

 

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