Head Study 3-1

Last night, the scheduled model didn't arrive, so one of the artists in our class volunteered.

And a great model he was! He was so still. The fact that he was focusing on my mineral spirits jar was a little unnerving at times, because I felt he was watching me paint the whole time.

Another great night of painting! I'm quite satisfied with this one.

Head Study 2-22

Another great session of painting last night! The model was beautiful - she reminded me of a modern day Pocahontas. I'm learning a lot about the portrait, and how a limited palette is so unifying to use. I'm working on seeing the head as a ball, and identifying values as they recede from the lightest part.

Head Study 2/15

I feel I've had a breakthrough in painting the portrait. This one was especially rewarding, because I captured her essence, her attittude. Her direct gaze is a little intimidating and raw.

Again, a limited palette was used, and the darks are finally dark enough.

Figure Study 1/31

I have been studying with the renowned artist, Joseph Todorovitch, for over a year now, and the focus is on academic painting concerning the figure. I tend to focus on the head, as I am more interested in portraits. This particular model is excellent and is serious about her work. I work with a limited palette - white, ivory black, yellow ochre, and cad red light. It's amazing what colors can come from these! It also makes decisions about colors easy. I will be posting several more heads this week.

Teenage Boy

This young man posed for the first time at one of my painting groups. He was a good model. I like the strong shadows and lights. A warm direct spotlight was used here.

Victorian Engagement

This young couple posed for a painting group a few days ago. They are engaged, and one of their common interests is the Victorian era. They dressed in Victorian costume - which was beautiful and enjoyable to paint. The real challenge was doing two people in under four hours and have them look at least a little like who they really are.

Confederate Officer

11x14 oil on Raymar panel

This model was definitely in a time warp - I think he really believed he was in the Civil War!

And he was so still - never moved. His costume was truly authentic. He was great fun to paint.

Stan Cook - SOLD

11x14 oil on Raymar panel

This model is an aquaintance of mine, and he posed at a painting workshop I go to once a month. He has such interesting features, and considers himself a "hippie', hence the beaded headband. It was really enjoyable painting him!

Cowboy

10x14 oil on stretched canvas

I belong to a painting group who meets once a month to paint from the live, costumed model.

Some of these models really believe they are who they are dressed as! This guy was no exception. He really lived the part.

The painting was challenging, but rewarding. I like how I was able to keep it loose.

Royal Asian

11x14 oil on Raymar panel

$300.00 plus s&h

This model was beautiful, and her kimono was such a vibrant blue-voilet, that when it shone, it went towards red-violet. I wanted to capture her contemplative expression, and then contrast that with expressive brush strokes depicting her kimono. I am satisfied with the results.