Granny Smith With Two Macs

In this painting, I thought I would combine a green apple with red apples. I enjoy working with color and combining warm with cool colors.

The original painting is for sale.


Not only are the McIntosh apples a warm color but they're much darker, especially in the shadow areas. It's the same Granny Smith from last weeks painting, but I'm painting it in a much thinner manner.

The white plate is always a challenge to paint from the side like this because it turns it into a narrow ellipse. If I'm off in the slightest it will look like it's warped.

Granny Smith With Two Macs
8"x10"
Acrylic on canvas board
Chris Breier © 2020

Three Macs

The original painting is still available.

I recently bought a large bag of McIntosh apples at the supermarket. These are the ones that are a little smaller than the premium apples. They may be smaller, but they still taste good.

I like to cut them up and put them in my oatmeal in the morning. I add some cinnamon, walnuts, and sprinkle in some flaxseed meal. Flaxseed meal doesn't add much flavor but it’s good for you.



The quick oats only take 2-3 minutes to cook in the microwave so it’s convenient for when you're short on time. I don't like to skip breakfast so I always have a large canister of oats in the cupboard.

Apple Cider

This is an appropriate subject to work on in November. I often visit Letchworth State Park in the fall to view the leaves. On the way there I look for a farm that sells apples. Buying apples direct from the farmers is not only cheaper but the apples are usually fresher.


Years ago, I found a farmer that also sold apple cider. He kept jugs of it in a cooler with ice and you would just help yourself and put your money in a locked box. A lot of farmers use an “honor system” like this. I suppose it’s the reason why the produce is less expensive at the farm. They don’t have to haul their produce down to a farmers market and spend their weekends chatting with customers, and making change for everyone.

Two Apples and a Pear

Two Apples and a Pear
Acrylic on Gessobord
5"x7"
Chris Breier © 2015

Two Apples and a Pear is a companion piece to Pear and Two Apples. They're both painted on 5x7 Gessobords. This painting is the result of noticing the early morning sunlight and how it was raking across my kitchen countertop. I took a few reference photos to work from because the early morning light changes rapidly. I was interested in capturing the glossiness of the apples, and the variety of colors that can be found in their skin. The green pear contrasts nicely with the deep red apples. Fall is the best time to paint apples because they're in season. I enjoy painting fruit because it makes for great subject matter–and a tasty snack! The original painting is for sale. If you like this painting please share it! There are buttons below for all major social media sites.

A Pear and Two Apples

A Pear and Two Apples
Acrylic on Archival Gessobord
5”x7”
Chris Breier © 2015

The original painting is available.
Fruit is very common as subject matter, I think that’s because it’s colorful and has great texture. I put these apples and the pear on my kitchen table when I returned from the grocery store. I enjoy painting everyday subject matter because I can find painting ideas around the house.