Big Red Mug! Hot Cocoa with Marshmallows. Oil on Canvas.
October 22, 2007 by christeenswan
Oil Painting on Canvas. 8×10”
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My favorite part of working on this was…….. the whole thing! 
The glossy red mug was really challenging and fun, and the marshmallows were really neat too. I know this painting has some really dominant red in it, but I had a great time playing around with the subtle colors through the rest of the painting. The marshmallows in particular were a great way to explore color. They had a golden glow in some places, and there were hints of lavender in the shadows, as well as reflections of muted red from the mug….cool stuff!
It was really challenging to get the marshmallows to ‘sit’ in the cocoa. In the early stages, they appeared to sort of ‘float’ over the cocoa. There were also too few of them. I mean- come on. Marshmallows! I ended up painting over all the floating marshmallows, and going back in to add even MORE… and worked carefully to make them swim…not float. *grins*
I’m really pleased with this one. Thanks for looking!
I love this Red Mug, you have done very well with the red.
With browsing through your blog I must say that I love all of your still lifes. Your use of colours has freshness and I like this a lot. Will come back.
Oooooh, glorious! I wish I had that right now, just what I need for a shot of energy and cheer!
this is marvelous work! i like the subtle play of light and shadow… really marvelous
Mmmmmmm - hot chocolate sounds really good to me on this cool Oregon day. Beautiful painting, Christeen.
WOW you are one talented artist!!!
Oooh, I really love this! I can see why you are pleased with it. I love all those reflections and shadows… you are awesome!
By the way, through my Swedish eyes, cocoa with marshmallows in it is just about the most American drink possible. Don´t think many Swedes do that. Maybe it´s time to bring in a new tradition here, it looks delicious!
Amazing! Beautiful! Tasty! Oh that wonderful cup of hot chocolate!
Ahhh! How easy to slip into this blog and sip from the delightful offerings shown here. Thanks.
This is really, really beautiful! I can see the the steam escaping from the mug and I can feel myself sipping carefully, not to burn my lips! This one is a winner!
Ronell
That’s just awesome! It’s cool and cloudy here and your image just made me wish for chocolate and marshmellows. How wonderful!
A nice painting that really makes you smell the chocolate. Did you drink it cold at the end of the painting?
Wow, this is so beautiful! Very painterly, wonderful colors and values.
Yum! You really captured the mug’s beauty and the tone of the cocoa & marshmallows! Think I’ll go have some now….
Christeen - you’ve been tagged. See my blog for details:
http://flatsoundofwoodenclogs.blogspot.com/
I was so excited to see this painting! It’s just what I aspire to be able to do and every part of the painting is wonderful. I really enjoyed the way you handled the background, but the marshmallows are just perfect–so fluffy and floaty. The value contrast in the red cup works perfectly too. Yay Christeen!
Can you paint us a ham sandwich to go with that drink please?
Thanks for the positive feedback, everyone!
Nina, as a kid, the marshmallows were the best part!! I think I used to end up wearing them more than eating them
You should try it. Peppermint Schnapps in the cocoa is fabulous too.
Sharon, I’m still sorting out whether I want to post a tag here. I’ve already done one of these- so now it’s tough to come up with answers!
wrjones, No, I didn’t drink it cold at the end. Sadly, I don’t have any ham here to make a ham sandwich painting for you. I’ve never tried to paint a sandwhich….hmmm. Have you? BTW, I really enjoyed surfing your blog- the Meat & Tobacco story cracked me up
Completely brilliant. Nuff said.
what a lovely and rich painting. really suits the subject matter.
Christeen - this is an incredible painting - no wonder you’re pleased! And what a great idea for a still life - it makes it much easier to accept that winter is coming. Your work is always such a treat!
I don’t like marshmellows but I do love yours and that much too. You make the most common things look so dramatic and colorful.
I love marshmallows but, unfortunately, not with hot chocolate/cocoa……I don’t like how they go hot and gooey. That said, your painting looks like a real treat. Rich, warm colours….it’s just begging the viewer to take a sip. Beautiful work, Christeen ~
This is very nice. You’ve captured the colors so well. I get the feeling I could eat those marshmallows. And the cocoa its self……….. awesome. Great subject for this time of year.
Yummmmm. Looks good enough to drink!
I’m just a teensy bit late catching up with everyone’s blog posts … This is a lovely little painting - I can almost taste those marshmallows!