Reflections

Shiny and see-through surfaces are a daunting challenge to replicate, so the Pastel Society’s LIZ BALKWILL has set an exercise that will help you simplify the process

- LIZ BALKWILL

Many years ago, I was set a task that was to accompany my application for a place at art school. I was asked to make a drawing of an apple, together with peel and paring knife, that must be placed on top of a mirrored surface. At the time I remember feeling a little overwhelmed and rather intimidated by the whole idea. Little did I know that decades later I would be making an artistic career out of painting reflections in their many forms.

Many of my own students are initially daunted when confronted by a still life that contains glass or metal as they often find it too advanced or difficult. However, once they have learnt how to break down and approach the rendering of reflective surfaces, there has been no holding them back – and it is this approach that I want to show you here.

Creating a convincing impression of reflective objects does require careful observation of the subject. The most pleasing aspect when suggesting any reflective surface, is the abstract quality of the shapes and the mark making that results. If you are a less experienced artist, you may like to start with a coloured glass object as it has more solidity than clear glass.

Recycled glass is my personal favourite, it is thicker and has the lovely turquoise edges that is fun to suggest. Jars of foodstuffs provide us with two challenges: not only the glass receptacle with its contents, but also the reflections and highlights. Metal or enamel jar lids give us the opportunity to explore colours for different metal finishes and their highlights. You could also consider tarnished or rusted enamelware if you wanted more interesting textures to depict.