ML: All Drawn In And Ready To Paint

ML, Washed over with Burnt Umbra/MS mix and ready

for Phase two: the monochromatic Grisaille

Pencil Draw-in completed by  going over pencil

lines with thinned down Burnt Umbra

Beginning with a grid system proportionate to the  grid drawn over the selected reference

used as a guide for the draw-in using a number #3H pencil.

The reference was 8" x 10"; the canvas is 16" x 20" twice as large.

Mrs. ML's reference photograph cropped and converted to black and white.

Because Mrs. L's reference photograph is missing important details, I took my time with the draw-in phase of the Venetian/Flemish painting process.
The facial features lost in extreme light and darkness needed to be carefully scrutinized to get them down and get a likeness.  The grid helped a great deal, but has its own built-in failing:  lines have dimensions that if not accounted for will throw off the enlargement.  But you know that from my last post.

To lighten up, there was John T, my FB buddy,

looking like a thug on the wall of the post office.

He's changed his profile picture since then.

Securing the draw-in with thinned down paint, step 2 of the draw-in phase,  also points out the areas where attention must be paid to how the pieces go together--a portrait is a construction as well as an expression, as well as an impression, as well as a recorded image of an individual.  While painting down the pencil contour lines, I was informed about where I would need to simplify and be vague in the painting process.  I have no doubt that during the painting of this portrait I will doing some smaller studies--the head, the hands, the head of the guitar and the guitar neck. 

It took me a couple of weeks to get to this point.  I took a lot of breaks to refresh my concentration. I took a few breaks to conquer impatience and a tendency to procrastinate brought on by the degree of concentration involved.  But this method of painting is right for Morris.  He was deeply serious about his music and that shows in his expression; I didn't want to paint him lightly.   I just wish Mrs. L has frozen the action.  Morris was rocking on his guitar.