Monday, September 17, 2012

Sisters and their dog - in progress



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.  

11 comments:

  1. 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.

    I 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!

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    1. Christiane, thank you for the tips and encouragement. I will get brave soon.

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  2. I 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)

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    1. Sandra, you are so right, paintings are like teenagers. I will take your advice and hopefully get onto the pleasant phase of being a teenager.

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  3. Hello 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!

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    1. Renate, thank you. What would I do without my dear blogger friends like you.

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  4. This looks like it is coming along beautifully, and as Renate rightfully puts it, I am sure you will find a solution yourself.
    I have the same feeling about rain as you , love it :-))

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    1. Jane, thank you for your encouraging words. You have all given me encouragement to go forward.

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  5. great,I love me your paintings :)

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    1. Thank you, Veronica. I am going to go look at your paintings.

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  6. Très jolie scène, tendre et émouvante...

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Thanks so much for taking the time to leave your thoughts. I love hearing from you!