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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Honey Hates His Nose...


AS I PAINTED IT. Actually I have to tell you, he has a very nice nose--straight, just wide enough, invisible nostrils, no bumps, and situated on his face where is should be. Indeed, it was his nose that first attracted me to him. It's the angle I shot of his schnoz that he dislikes, but that angle gave me an unusual view of a face--and a challenge.

I think I've did okay with this little painting of an old guy. Aged, sagging skin is as difficult to paint as the soft facial features of a very young child. I suppose to be fair, I should paint my nose--it's no where near as aquiline as his--maybe even a bit bulbous? But my nose is none of your business and enough with noses anyway.

I didn't have any difficulties at my new painting station next to the sink in my studio either-- with the exception of the counter top being too low. I could have perched on my stool as I did at the bar, but standing up, coming forward, backing away and coming forward is the dance I do when painting no matter where I am. And it's this dance that threatened those bar stools and forced me to get real. I would sit for a bit. Then I would stand because I hate to sit. I'd pull the stool back out of my way with the oily hand of someone who is painting in oils. It wasn't a good situation. I had to get back to where I could be myself and not be uptight about spots of white.


It was a great painting day. I started rearranging my storage shelves to free up a shelf to use as a drying rack. I found my very old oil painting rag, and stuck it in my belt for frequent wipes. I found another small flat brush ideal for small places. I found that Reeves oils blend much better when thinned with linseed oil. The mineral spirits evaporated too fast making blending a drag--literally. Would I buy this brand again? Yes--though Windsor Newton squeezes out a bit more fluid.

NOTE

Out of curiosity, I checked out framing one of the little oils I did the last few days: A 6 x 8" little painting takes an 8 x 10 standard size frame when you add a one inch linen liner/with gold bead. I like linen liners on oil paintings. The liner acts like a mat. It gives the painting air to breathe. Eight by ten doesn't occupy much wall space, but it is a cute little picture, a nice gift.

8 comments:

  1. Well I count about five grounds for divorce in the first two paragraphs! Fine nose. Love the framed painting. Glad you had a good day.

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  2. Framed paintings are a whole different story, they really come to their right, anyone would be happy to receive this as a gift.
    And any nose taken from the angle 'honey's' nose was taken would look enormous...but it is a great painting! Wish you a nice day!

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  3. It`s more than cute Linda, it`s a ghreat painting. Also the portrait is first class, although an unusual angle. All the best linda.
    Vic.

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  4. NOSE worries Dan. There was a NOSE divorce clause in our marriage vows. Honey and I will be rubbing NOSES till we NOSEDIVE into the light.

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  5. Aren't they though Jane. I've been dickering over to frame or not to frame sale items. Framing finishes work. Trouble is they add to the price and our expense if we do the framing. Trouble is the artwork doesn't look finished without one when the buyer gets the painting and the expense becomes theirs, but also gives them aesthetic freedom to choose what they like. I like the principle of OPM, (other people's money) on selling small paintings online. I also think canvas boards are not acceptable if an artist has sales in mind. Stretched gallery canvases should be used only. Paintings on canvas covered cardboard are for sketching.

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  6. Victor I was beginning to worry about you. I hadn't seen a post since that lovely sailboat. It is an unusual angle, but a usual angle I use for sneaking up on Honey while he naps to snap his picture without him knowing. Unfair I suppose--even nasty if he hates his nose-- but we're joined at the hip and no Nose painting will come between us.Thanks. I sort of like it too. It was fun.

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  7. I did a drawing and a pastel with this facial angle last year, and I had to practice and use references. You got it just so.

    I would find it a challenge to render a perfect nose - I prefer some character in noses.

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  8. Thanks Casey, coming from you,I'm honored. I refined his mouth a bit this morning and owned up to it. I signed my name with oils the first time in a long time. I need to do that a more often, my signature looked like the very first time. --Maybe there are oil pencils?

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