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Thursday, August 29, 2013

Inch By Inch

Inch by inch JD emerges (a detail of I've Gotta Crow).
The whole picture involves lots of skin.
What a day! All good plans go astray.  --Ellis and I spent time we didn't need to spend, didn't want to spend at the handicape equipment store trying to buy a handicapped toilet seat, shower chair and obtain the free, via our health insurance, walker.  After an hour and twenty minutes, we walked out with nothing.  And so went the time that was to be my second painting session of the day with JD.  I was aggravated. We had wine time a half hour earlier than usual.

The first painting session went very well. I learned more about blending oils with a clean brush and my subject moved closer to being himself.  Now that Ellis finally got my linseed oil can open and I mixed a half and half brew for my painting medium, painting with oils became more joyful.

I have a long way to go with this one--even though his likeness is good enough.  The background leaves a lot to be desired-- and I do have to suck it in and intuit how to paint clothing, but slowly, all that will come, for I am a die hard, a pit bull who does not let go.



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27 comments:

  1. Studio at the FarmAugust 30, 2013 at 12:17 AM

    GREAT, Linda! JD is really coming out of the canvas. [ must be the extra linseed oil :) ]

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    1. Linda RothAugust 30, 2013 at 7:55 AM

      Adding linseed oil to the mineral spirits makes the tube paint more buttery and facilitates the spread. It also effects the surface quality--adds a subtle sheen that's lovely. It was about time I took this kid in hand. He sat in the corner too long. I think I feared I had taken on too big a job. I have, but slow and steady...

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  2. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comAugust 30, 2013 at 3:22 AM

    It is looking good. Blending? You? Are you going for a smooth look or do you mean for edge control? I have always appreciated the vitality of your strokes so you have made me curious.
    Shopping in the handicap store sounds depressing. Maybe you will not be needing too many items. Hope not anyway.

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    1. Linda RothAugust 30, 2013 at 7:24 AM

      Now as for brushstrokes and blending. Isn't that what you do when you use the tool you designed? There's always blending, edge treatment , in every painting. JD looks smoother in this photo of the work than he really is. :-))

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  3. Gary L. EverestAugust 30, 2013 at 3:51 AM

    Hi Linda,
    Wow! Amazing how, all of a sudden, I recognize the lad. You really had a good session, Linda. Very impressive. Looking forward to additional good sessions! :)
    Sincerely,
    Gary.

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    1. Linda RothAugust 30, 2013 at 8:05 AM

      He's still looking a bit cross eyed to me, but a little dab will undo it. I did want to get into the shirt yesterday, then his arms and hands. I'm feeling ambitious these days. I would like to get to a point where I can leave it sitting on the easel, a fine example of what goes on in my little studio. I'd also like to scour the sink and countertop and leave a clean space before I have my adventure. I want to walk into order September 17th--I'm hoping. Ambitious, that's me.

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  4. Gatepost productionsAugust 30, 2013 at 8:37 AM

    I'm watching with interest, Linda. I'm up to painting #35 in acrylics (since I started in April) but I still haven't ventured into oils. I want to try portraits, I have lots of reference pictures of interesting faces building up.

    Remind me, when you did JD before was it acrylic?...and... was he facing the other way (looking to his left)? Not that it matters too much as this is a different painting, and seems to be coming together easier than the last (if memory serves).

    I really hope the medical probs ease for you soon, take care!

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    1. Linda RothAugust 30, 2013 at 3:33 PM

      I have never done a portrait in acrylics. In my mind, oils are for portraits. I guess I have some traditionalist in me--or a lot of time spent looking at the portraits of the masters. My health problems have disappeared with my lowest salt routine and finally deciding to do the surgery I was told to do seven years. I am honestly looking forward to my upcoming recuperation. I have high hopes for modern medicine. I am grateful for my stubborn determination to conquer any adversities life throws at me. I am Capricorn. I can climb mountains. Do give oils a try. If you're going to paint, you should see which medium suits you.

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  5. Danielle v/d HorstAugust 30, 2013 at 10:57 AM

    I like him already I find him beautiful look hear well done hugs Danielle

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    1. Linda RothAugust 30, 2013 at 3:39 PM

      By the time I'm satisfied with this painting, you'll become bored with seeing the same damn painting shown on this site post after post. Thanks Danielle for your encouragement.

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  6. SharonWrightArtistAugust 30, 2013 at 1:44 PM

    It is a joyous painting, I swear he moves! It looks like you are enjoying the adventure! I think his features are set perfectly in his head. I think you are getting there quicker than you think.

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    1. Linda RothAugust 30, 2013 at 3:36 PM

      Surprisingly, I think I am too. What do you think I should do about the background? Right now I'm following the reference, but I think I should with obliterate it, or reinvent it.

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  7. Celeste BerginAugust 31, 2013 at 1:11 AM

    Excellent! What a good job you've done with this.....it is GREAT!

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  8. JudyAugust 31, 2013 at 4:30 AM

    I like him a lot!

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  9. Dan KentAugust 31, 2013 at 8:50 AM

    Well I think it is looking great!! We all have daily setbacks - things that get in the way - I can so relate. That makes the painting time all the more special. And pressured!-lol. Oy.

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  10. Dan KentAugust 31, 2013 at 8:50 AM

    Yes I laugh at my own jokes.

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    1. Linda RothSeptember 1, 2013 at 8:10 AM

      The one positively positive thing about making money selling one's art is that then nothing would get in the way of getting to the studio. But then painting time would not be anything special. It would be a J-O-B. LOL. Now I'm laughing at my own jokes. Doesn't everybody? We wouldn't if we didn't think they were funny.

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  11. Helen H TrachySeptember 1, 2013 at 8:08 AM

    A lot of work, isn't it? But it's worth it. Portrait is really more demanding than landscape or anything else. Love to see the progression in your work. Have a great week!

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    1. Linda RothSeptember 1, 2013 at 8:14 AM

      YES. The challenge of getting a likeness is satisfying. But there's always more to achieve and that's stressful. That's when it's time to do a landscape or still life.

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  12. Jean SpitzerSeptember 1, 2013 at 8:27 AM

    Stick with it, pit bull, it is going great!

    It will be interesting to see what you develop for the background .

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  13. art by Michael PerchardSeptember 2, 2013 at 10:23 AM

    Ola Linda!
    This piece is coming along beautifully. I so much enjoy seeing seeing the various stages of your work and reading about your process! So very nice!
    I am so sorry about all the "B.S" concerning medical supplies!
    Hang in there and keep on keeping on!
    Love your art and your blog!
    Michael

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    1. Linda RothSeptember 2, 2013 at 3:35 PM

      Ola yourself Michael. Thanks. So far so good. We finally got the medical apparatus sorted out: leave the toilet and shower seat, take the walker. KISS. Keep it simple Simon. We're set. Love your art and blog right back.

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  14. SusanSeptember 2, 2013 at 6:11 PM

    Hi, Linda - I am for reinventing the background - leaving it softly abstract so as not to distract from the wonderful portrait!

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