Monday, January 27, 2014

a finish (?) and bonus extra



"a post from charles" (15"X11")
i think that i have finished the painting of the young girl musing about the contents of the letter she has just received and read......from charles....obviously! from the last posting i have finished her dress and hair, strengthened the values in the lower part of the background under the table, painted the watch (i initially painted it too dark...it may still be?), and put in some darks in the crevices (a term i think i first read in a book by jan kunz).










this second painting is not finished and may never be. it started out as an experiment in painting a nude in a real painting as opposed to the quick sketches in life drawing sessions. there were a lot of things i liked about it but also a lot of problems. it was based on a great photo from dave bass from studio gallery 1311 in la crosse, wi. since i thought it was probably a "goner" i decided to do some more experimentation with the "swatch" technique that i used on the commission portrait posted a few weeks ago. i think it could work if i used some of the same technique in the figure, but the whole thing seems just a bit dingy and drab.........just checking to see if you are paying attention.
"stalking the wild orchid" (10"X14") wip

8 comments:

  1. Drab? See, I'm paying attention! These are both really beautiful. I love the wistful expression of the woman with the letter. Makes me wonder what she has just read in Charles' letter. And the stalking painting is striking! I love the bright colors as well as the pose. Great job!

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  2. I really love your dreamy young lady, such a great subject and wonderful expression. And I love how your portraits always tell a story ...there is always a situation . And 'stalking the wild orchid' is already a hit , to me it could be finished.

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    1. thanks, jane. i really try to make a possible story in my "portraits". if not then i don't know why they would appeal to anybody other than those who know the subject. the story one person imagines may not that of another viewer. that's what makes art fun....i think.

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  3. ...oh, and I forgot , nothing drab about the last one, just gorgeous !

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    1. yeah. actually i know its not drab. just that originally i didn't think much of the overall thing. i have to admit, though, that it is starting to grow on me. i may try to salvage it with just a few more details t

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