New Lesson 'Peel & Pause' Now Available on MJS TV
Learn how to paint this juicy citrus fruit
There is something quietly rewarding about slowing down and truly observing the simple, everyday subjects around us. In this new lesson, Peel & Pause, a familiar citrus fruit becomes the focus for a thoughtful study of light, texture, and patience.
The lesson centres on control and careful observation. From the soft glow across the skin to the gentle translucency of the peeled segments, I show you how to simplify what you see while still achieving a strong sense of realism and depth. It’s an ideal exercise for developing a deeper understanding of edges, values, and subtle shifts in colour.
You’ll be guided through the painting step by step, working methodically through the peel, the exposed flesh, and the surrounding darks that help the subject come to life. The pace is intentionally slower, encouraging you to pause, look more closely, and enjoy the process rather than rush toward the finished result.
In this 14 part tutorial each part focuses on a specific stage of the painting follow along at your own pace.
The focus is on capturing the soft, translucent quality of the fruit. Delicate veins within the pith are carefully defined using light, controlled strokes, suggesting structure without overpowering the natural softness of the flesh. Attention then moves to developing the skin texture and refining the edges of the peel, deciding where to keep forms crisp and where to allow them to soften. Everything is gently brought together through softening transitions and blending textures where needed, unifying the painting and allowing the details to sit comfortably within a natural, balanced finish.
This tutorial helps you build the skills needed to create a detailed, well resolved still life painting. By working carefully through each stage, you will develop stronger control and observation, along with a clearer understanding of how to manage edges, values, and subtle shifts in colour.
The result is a finished still life you can be proud of, as well as increased confidence in your painting ability.
I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did creating it.
Happy painting,
