Getting Close

Work continued on Pat's portrait late last night and I've been at it again today.  I vaguely recall saying something about taking a day away from working on it, but I lied.  I was sincere when writing about it in the post, but when a new day begins, I automatically go to the studio and go to work.  It seems nearly impossible to take a day off.  I suspect many of you have the same problem, curse or gift, depending on your perspective.  Anyway...       

Pat, in-work, oil on canvas, 20 x 16 inches.

Our normal winter weather returned today, so no distractions kept me from the easel.  Yesterday, on the other hand, Portland was sunny and the temperature rose to a stunning sixty-one degrees, so I was "forced" to get out and enjoy it.  After jogging about four miles, I found a spot on a park bench along the waterfront, which was extremely lucky due to everyone in Portland being outside soaking up the sun.  I sat, dripping healthy sweat, listening to my MP-3 player, facing the sun.  It was, in two words, simply delightful.  After about twenty minutes, I ran home and, following a shower and some dinner, went back to the portrait.                                    

The effort wasn't blog-worthy, but it did get me closer to what I want to see in this painting.  Today, the biggest changes include raising the key in the shadows and refining her hair and just about everything else.  You know how it goes...one mark leads to a thousand more and at the end of the session, you sit back and evaluate.  I liked what I saw enough to post it.  That almost sounds like progress!  Enjoy your Sunday, everybody!