This is last night's head study. I had such a exhilarating time. I felt that I was really painting, not just faithfully recreating what I saw. There's a difference. I am happy with the finished product, even though the process was way more important and satisfying. Not painting the eyes was only a little difficult for me. When I blurred my eyes, this is what I saw - the eyes were completely lost in the shadow.
This portrait was done in a monthly model session at a local winery. Gayle Stratford is the facilitator. This is her daughter, Christine. I feel ok about it - but I was a little too caught up in her likeness when I should have been thinking shapes and values. My favorite part is the red dress - straight cad red lite.
I think I made it through a valley last night, as I have turned a corner in Joseph's class. This could possibly be my most successful head yet. I am starting to realize that I have to simplify my subject into accurate shapes that are either light or dark, before I start with any transitional values/colors, and long before any detail is shown. This was a two-hour painting, which is why it seems unfinished. I would have liked to get to some of the collar, but I am happy overall.
This is the first head study I've done in a while that I actually like. I don't enjoy doing profiles at all, but this was the model's pose, so I just focused on the challenge. Joseph is really pushing me to see all shapes as dark or light, and to eliminate all details until later. Very difficult. But if I have the values and shapes correct, the details don't matter all that much!
While in Sedona, my good friend, Karen Werner, and I shared room. We took turns painting each other, which was challenging and fun. It's more difficult to paint someone you know, instead of just seeing the shapes, colors, and values that, if painted correctly, will resemble the person. With the exception of the shirt, I used the Zorne palette only, which is white, black, yellow ochre, and cad red. I learned this from my instructor, Joseph Todorovitch. To see Karen's portrait of me, just click on her name.
