Baby Pumpkin: A Study in Presence and Precision

“Baby Pumpkin Study” 5 x 4 oil on panel

Today’s painting, "Baby Pumpkin," was a 5 x 4 inch alla prima study that brought me a lot of joy. I approached this piece with greater care in the drawing phase, aiming for a more faithful assessment of proportions and an exploration of the intricate shapes within the pumpkin and the surrounding cloth.

As I painted, I was reminded of a moment from my training when I was learning to block objects in. Back then, I often found myself faking my interpretation—relying on a slightly stylized approach to cover up poor observations, masking mistakes as "style." It’s a common trap for artists, where the line between genuine observation and artistic license can blur.

Today felt different. As I worked, I felt in control, fully engaged with the interruptions and adjustments that came naturally. The marks I left on the panel were not just arbitrary strokes but deliberate actions born from direct observation of life. I felt present in the work, fully alive to the moment. My day has passed, but I’m left with a record of what I experienced—without any faking.