Shell-ing a-Round #05

The inside part of the Mussels, when boiled, takes an yellow-orange color which makes a very interesting contrast with the blue of the shells. Another ACEO, trying to capture how the cooked Mussels look like:

Shell-ing a-Round #04

And yet another Mussel! Still trying to get a more realistic look, and struggling with the acrylics - I have the tendency to work in layers as I do in watercolors.

Shell-ing a-Round #03

The third ACEO painting for the challenge, and it is again a Mussel. Trying to get a smoother shell texture, and some glow with this and next one.

Shell-ing a-Round #02

And the second take at a single Mussel shell, at the same size (ACEO, 3.5x2.5 inches) and the same materials as the previous one (Camel Artistis' Acrylics 12x20 ml set, W&N Acrylics Pad). As I will keep working with these materials probably for the entire challenge, I will not mention them anymore unless there is a change. Enjoy the second Mussel of the series:

Shell-ing a-Round #01

I just got the e-mail from Leslie about the beginning of the new 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge, and I am ready for it! I would say more than ready, because I had some time previous week not only to find my references, but also to paint in advance a few of the ACEO shell paintings. I first started with a small series on Mussels, maybe inspired by the trip I did at the end of June to Brussels. And as you know, there is no trip to Brussels without Mussels! So enjoy the first Mussel, ACEO size (3.5x2.5 inches), Camel acrylics on W&N acrylic paper.