I enjoy the challenge of painting machinery outdoors. This old tractor surrounded by a field of pumpkins was the perfect motif.

1. I started with a simple drawing, indicating placement of the largest shapes. Once I finished my drawing, I began blocking in the large shapes with flat, poster-like colors.

2. I continued by blocking-in the large areas of the painting.
I tried to get the average color and value for each area in relation to the other areas around it.

3. Once my block-in was complete, I refined the areas further, focusing on color changes within the larger areas.

4. I began modeling the elements, carefully picking out warm and cool temperature changes. I designed, rather than copied, the pumpkins in the field.

5. I finished the various forms and added accents where appropriate

~ The finished painting~
October Harvest 11 x 14, Oil on Linen
Painting time: One Hour

Armand Cabrera is an award-winning oil painter residing in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is represented by fine art galleries across the United States.
www.armandcabrera.com/