Photo of 3 Apples

This is an image of 3 apples which I shall use to make a soft pastel picture.

The 3 Apples digital Photo

3 Apples digital photograph was taken with my AGFA DC-1003s digital camera, I illuminated the apples using standard light bulbs, the photo was taken in the evening. The camera was fitted to a tripod to make sure I could get a shot without any movement. the image was then edited a little in Corel Photo-paint or similar software package. I then saved the image onto a memory stick and it was then placed into a digital picture frame for viewing. The image was then used as my art reference for the soft pastel picture.

The art project took about 4 hours to complete. I first searched through the Internet for some inspiration and came across some images of apples that I liked, I then stored the images on my computer to refer back to. When I was ready to proceed I called up the images on the monitor and used them as a reference point to make a new composition and using it to produce a digital photograph which I would use as my new art reference.

Soft pastel Picture of Three Apples

Getting Prepared

Before I could start the picture I prepared a work space to use, Not having a studio I usually end up using the dining room table to work on. The materials and paper are placed out on the table in a manner that will allow me to get easy access to them, getting prepared at the start can save a lot of time messing about trying to find things later. I try and be consistent in the way that I work which makes it easier especially in confined spaces.



I first started the project by searching for images to use. I used google image search for ideas and inspiration, collecting these images and storing then on a computer for future reference. Next I used the images found on the Internet to guide me and help me decide on a new composition and then I took some photographs of my own and put the image on a digital picture frame to view and use as a reference point.

My art project was ready and I sketched it out with a B3 pencil to get familiar with the subject on some good quality drawing paper and I practiced making the picture at a reduced size in colour using coloured pencil.



When I felt happy with the rough sketches I then started with the final full size version using a textured coloured paper and soft pastels which I had purchased from the local art shop.



Due to a lack of experience it usually takes a number of attempts to get a result worth looking at.