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| Closer to the truth, |
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| A whole lot of ugly as he got a face lift. |
His brothers were resized. One was brought forward. The other lost a lot of weight as he has since the reference photo was taken.
Right now I'm working this ambitious painting Georgia O'keefe style: painting from one side to the other, one head at a time. Of course, there will be a reckoning at the end.
I've been pummeling this guy to death trying this and that. The last few days, he's gone through a whole lot of ugly as I stumbled about selecting colors, mixing values. changing my mind, remeasuring and reconfiguring facial features. He's got a very reluctant smirk of a smile on his face and his chin is tilted just enough up and back to weaken his jaw line just enough to give me a headache. Add to that the absolutely horrendous reference photo--a snap shot actually, taken spur of a not-well-lighted moment with a flash plus the fact the guys were not sitting next to one another--and this exercise could be a real migraine. Instead, I've been enjoying myself very much.
I've been pummeling this guy to death trying this and that. The last few days, he's gone through a whole lot of ugly as I stumbled about selecting colors, mixing values. changing my mind, remeasuring and reconfiguring facial features. He's got a very reluctant smirk of a smile on his face and his chin is tilted just enough up and back to weaken his jaw line just enough to give me a headache. Add to that the absolutely horrendous reference photo--a snap shot actually, taken spur of a not-well-lighted moment with a flash plus the fact the guys were not sitting next to one another--and this exercise could be a real migraine. Instead, I've been enjoying myself very much.
This portrait is coming along SO beautifully, Linda. The skin tones are really, really good...I love the darks and light and all the colors you use for his neck area...His eyes are alive... , I LOVE this one and look forward to seeing the next post...!!! I've tried portraits in oils and it just doesn't work!!! but I would really like to try again....
ReplyDeleteHilda, if you have any unsuccessful portraits lying around, pull one out and go back into it. The first failure sets you free to do whatever you feel--note I used the word feel--is right. Not one painting session this week has been an unpleasant experience. I haven't felt anxious about what color or brushstroke was right or wrong. I was just me responding--feeling it out. Exhilarating. The feeling kept me coming back for more.
DeleteI think there is nothing better than fiddling with a painting. And this is a vast improvement - it is excellent!
ReplyDeleteSo far so good. He still needs my attention, but a likeness is there, the colors are developing, I am carefree and enjoying it. Maybe getting out of the art business by closing my Etsy store has something to do with it? I have trouble with my art as a money maker. With that statement, my dad is spinning in his grave and Ellis is rolling his eyes in exasperation. That's why I designed space for a living.
DeleteIt looks like it is going great...I love the eyes! It seems to be really coming together. I am tuned in the see the next phase. Super-good!
ReplyDeleteWell when it snows, landscapes take a back seat, portraits take the front. It's been a winter to paint and take care of old business. One by one, I'm going after my guys.
DeleteThe eyes have impressed everyone. Yes, now your son has two bright eyes! When a man portrait looking at you, just as a human being alive, can look, the portrait is really successful!
ReplyDeleteBrava Linda!!!
Thanks Rita. Now he needs an ear, a nose and a mouth that look like they might work. I don't care that much about the shirts. They can remain rough
DeleteLinda, my Georgia O'Keefe reincarnation, you are on a hot roll! His eyes are ALIVE! Love them, and the colors and skin tones are great. The jawline is much stronger. All for the good - BRAVO!
ReplyDeleteI never believed she worked one corner to the other. We all know the overall must be considered throughout the painting process. This head established the primary skin tones to use for all three.
DeleteKeep at it, Linda - each time you post shows great progress and working closer to your goals. Portraits are HARD - triple portraits border on insanity!
ReplyDeleteYes. I get that. :-)). :-)). :-))
DeleteDefinitely coming along and your narration of the process is priceless :-)
ReplyDeleteWell hello there! How have you been ? I hope out of the this country of blizzards and ice storms that are absolutely not good for business keeping all the good folks cabin bound when they're not shoveling. Thank you Agnes. I have had a reckoning. No more dash dash and voila! Done! The art race was stressing me out. I have retreated back to my old ways of slow and steady and have a good time with it. In this case at my boy's expense. Good to see you here.
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