Saturday, December 20, 2008

Portrait update

The Pout
9 x 12 watercolour
copyright Jeanette Jobson

I'm calling this portrait complete, and as with most watercolours, its a struggle for me. I love the look of watercolours and so envy those who can carry it off seemingly with little effort.

I know the trick is practice, as with any medium. The more I use it, the easier it becomes.

And now for those men who may have had their head somewhere else when choosing a partner's gift, take heed of the following little video link - The Doghouse.

PS You still have 3 days to find something else.

12 comments:

Jennifer Rose said...

lol at that commercial. Its good marketing, and made me sit through it all to see what would happen.
I would love computer parts for Xmas though :p

Rose Welty said...

Jeanette, I think this is a stunner...nicely done! You have a beautiful handling of watercolor.

Billie Crain said...

i'd call this portrait a success! i like the deeper values you used, too. was the last stage just poor lighting or did you add a lot more layers of glazes? either way, i love it.:)

Gina Cuff said...

Wow Jeanette, this is really beautiful! I personally think you did an exceptional job!

Teresa Mallen said...

I agree with the other comments - a beautiful piece Jeanette, no "muddy mess". I think it is fresh and light, just what you were aiming for. Love her hair!

Making A Mark said...

I really like this - and I think you've got it just right too! Anything which focuses us on the subject - that wonderful pout - rather than the skills of the artist has succeeded in my book.

That doesn't sound like a compliment but it is!

Robyn Sinclair said...

Watercolour is much more dependent upon a good drawing than oils and your excellent drawing shines through. You've achieved lovely natural skin tones that have great painterly style, Jeanette. That intense little expression is absolutely the centre of interest. Gorgeous.

Anita said...

It doesn't look like you have any problems at all with watercolour - lovely finish!

Jeanette Jobson said...

Jennifer, I hope you get your computers parts for Christmas!

Rose, thanks. Watercolour for me is real hit or miss.

Billie, the lighting wasn't great, but I did also add more glazes to give it some oomph. I need to go darker with my watercolours most of the time. I'm timid.

Gina, thank you. It was great fun to try it and remember the day - and her mood. :)

Teresa, keeping it light is really a challenge in watercolour and sometimes I win. I like most of this, but as with all artists, I can nitpick it to death.

Katherine, thank you. And I agree, the subject needs to shine through. If you don't capture character and life, no amount of skill will help.

Thank you Robyn. I take take as a great compliment coming from a watercolour guru as you are. I like that loose style that can be achieved with watercolour.

Thanks Anita. I find watercolour stressful at times because I'm concentrating so hard on where to put the next brush stroke, how much pigment, how wet, etc etc. Watercolour is indeed the 'planner's' medium. :)

Terry Banderas said...

Jeanette--
Great job on this painting. A "pout" is not exactly easy to do but you did it!

Jeanette Jobson said...

Thanks Terry.

Jan said...

I can commiserate with you about watercolor. I do like the look of it but even after years of "practice", I still don't have a real handle on it!

But you have no cause to make excuses for this portrait. It's very well done and still has the stamp of your style. Do more!