The color was easy to match and I placed it and a lot of new colors on her face. You know how it is...if you change one thing, you must change everything else to keep it harmonious. Luckily, it went quickly and I got so jazzed I called the girls to see if I could bring it back. They said yes and I zoomed up to give them a look. They liked what they saw and now I'll continue on it tomorrow.
It was a good day and I hope yours was too.
Another excellent work Gary...and you sound so patient about the changes you needed to make. I like the copper background and the tones in her face ARE harmonious.
ReplyDeleteHey Lisa,
ReplyDeleteNice to see you here again. I hope your Thanksgiving break was spent with family and friends and a well-roasted turkey with all the trimmings.
Glad you like the painting, Lisa. The changes were actually fun to make because this is a gift painting and I really want to make sure Sue is pleased with it. I much prefer the copper color, too. It's sure easier to get the correct color when you have a sample! The first (red) color choice was proof my memory is diminishing as the number of years on the planet increase! Yuck.
Thanks for stopping by and paint well tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Gary.
Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteHi Rhonda,
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for stopping by, Rhonda. I'm surprised you had the time with your class. I can only imagine how much work must go into it. By the time you've accomplished all the prep chores, actually teaching students must seem like a break. Or not!
Have a good day tomorrow and a nice weekend, too.
Sincerely,
Gary.
Once again a lovely portrait Gary. I do admire your technique. In time, I may catch up--trouble is the clock ticking is getting louder. You are an inspiration I didn't understand at first, but do now that I've tried my hand.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda,
ReplyDeleteDon't even mention the clock! I've felt like the ogre with the scythe has been after me since I began painting at age 44.8! Now, at nearly 63, maybe it was a bit premature, but one never knows how much time one has on this planet.
Linda, you've got me curious. What didn't you understand at first?
As for technique, the only difference between us is your wonderful "freestyle" approach. I used to try that, but eventually I found out how far off my drawing was, which went a long way in explaining why those early portraits didn't look quite right. To ensure a likeness which I wanted to see on my canvases, I began scaling-up the photo references, doubling the measurements of a 10 x 8 inch photo print for a 20 x 16 inch canvas and three times for a 30 x 24.
This gives me a precise likeness and then the fun begins trying to make it look like a painting instead of a copied photo. I'm still working on that! Edges and values and all those things which make a painting work are what I strive for after the likeness is there.
Of course, the photo reference is paramount in my opinion, to making a decent painting. When I'm taking the photos, I'm always looking for that special something in the subject's personality which made me want to paint them in the first place.
With the very large works, much more freehand work was done and that required much more time before the trial-and-error method eventually got me where I needed to be.
So, Linda, my "technique" is struggle, trial-and-error and a scrupulous desire to make a painting special. Certainly no artistic "gifts" in my kit. Just good old-fashioned work coupled with perseverance. Anyway, that's my story and you know the rest.
Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your trip to Mexico!!
Sincerely,
Gary.
Good post Gary. You have the artists eye. You can tell what is working and what is not, even if you aren't sure what it is right away. That is a gift. But I know what you mean. It doesn't just pour out onto the canvas like other artists seem to be able to do. The matte finish on that wall made it look muted in the photo I saw, and the other photo was a different color altogether. So this is looking right.
ReplyDeleteHi Kevin,
ReplyDeleteI don't know about the artist's eye or a gift, but it may simply be the product of many years of work and critical observation.
However it works, I appreciate your observations.
Have a great week, Kevin.
Sincerely,
Gary.
Hi Gary,
ReplyDeleteNever Mind! I fully understand you being busy! Its allright.
This portrait of Sue is full of empathy. That´s the quality of your portraits I like best. It is your friendly eye.
I wish you a Merry Christmas and a successful New Year 2013!
Sincerely,
Lars.
portraits_2null
Greetings from Barcelona.Nice works Gary.
ReplyDeleteHi Lars,
ReplyDeleteThanks, my friend. I appreciate your kind words and patience with me. I hope to get back to normal soon.
Happy New Year to you, Lars.
Sincerely,
Gary.
Ola Blanco,
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you and muchas gracias for stopping by. I am your newest follower and greatly admire your work.
Sincerely,
Gary.