Hope everyone had a good weekend. Yesterday morning I woke up to wet sidewalks and cloudy sky which brought a giddiness to me. Yes, I was thrilled it was raining. I don't know why, but, when it rains it seems that everyone kind of slows down. For me, that means I can stay in my pajamas and paint all day.
Above is a portrait of two sisters with their dog - in progress. It is on a 22x30 full sheet of watercolor paper. It is hard to get a decent photo when the paper is so large. Also, the wells of the warping paper create shadows onto itself. I have a long ways to go on this portrait. When I work on portraits, I like to go slow and step back for a day or so. The tiniest change in color or value can make such a difference, either good or bad. In this case, I am not happy with the cheek lines on the little girl on the right. I am so disappointed with it I don't know what to do. Portrait artists out there, help. My other issue is, I don't know what the background color should be. Usually, it develops on its own if I don't have an idea before painting. This time, there is so much background and a long ways to go. I welcome all suggestions.
Have a great week and stop by to see me at the SWS Art Show this Saturday if you are in the area.
Working slowly is a great idea. You are on the right track don't stop. When working with watercolor we tend to get to a stage where everything is out of place, I call it the yack stage when giving a workshop. Keep building your colors it will be stunning at the end. As for the background I work it afterward. Somehow I just don't get the idea until that time and to me doing both at the same time is confusing.
ReplyDeleteI think your painting is coming along real good. Keep building areas of contrast and you will be amaze how beautiful it will become. I love already!
Christiane, thank you for the tips and encouragement. I will get brave soon.
DeleteI think its just lovely! And I love the colours in the eyes. Perhaps you could use some of that green in the background too :0) If you are worried about the cheek lines and you are unable to lift it with a damp brush and some tissue, perhaps you could deepen the tone of the cheeks a little from the lines and out to make the lines appear less strong? It's just a suggestion and of course it may not be the right way to go. But paintings are like teenagers - they go through various questionable stages before they blossom and I'm sure this will be no exception :0)
ReplyDeleteSandra, you are so right, paintings are like teenagers. I will take your advice and hopefully get onto the pleasant phase of being a teenager.
DeleteHello Lyana:) Since I'm not a portrait painter I'm afraid I can't help you. I only can tell that you find a way out! You made so many beautiful paintings I think this is the next one. I like the close up of the eye. Also like the compisition very much. I'm looking forward to see the finished painting. You can do it!
ReplyDeleteRenate, thank you. What would I do without my dear blogger friends like you.
DeleteThis looks like it is coming along beautifully, and as Renate rightfully puts it, I am sure you will find a solution yourself.
ReplyDeleteI have the same feeling about rain as you , love it :-))
Jane, thank you for your encouraging words. You have all given me encouragement to go forward.
Deletegreat,I love me your paintings :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Veronica. I am going to go look at your paintings.
DeleteTrès jolie scène, tendre et émouvante...
ReplyDelete