Me and my big mouth.
Ages ago, I sort of challenged Gary Everest to a portrait swap of sorts. What was I thinking? Gary is a portrait artist extraordinare located in Hawaii and I, well I paint fish and water in Newfoundland! At least we're both on islands! However, the deed is done and now I have to come up with the goods, as Gary has already made a start on my portrait which you can see on his blog Gary L. Everest Paintings.
Portraits are challenging subjects but so very interesting. Like everything else, its a matter of breaking it down into pieces, analyzing light and shadow and matching colours and values, all while keeping a likeness. Gulp.
My week off work is filled with visitors and activities so I haven't had much of a chance to work on it, but early this morning, when even babies were asleep, I did a freehand sketch on an 11 x 14 canvas panel. The mottled purple you see on this panel is from a watercolour stain. I was using the plastic wrapped panel as a support for a watercolour piece and there must have been a small hole in the plastic where the water leaked through. It won't impact the painting as I spray a light coating of matte varnish over my under drawing to seal it before starting to paint.
I'll be adjusting the drawing and angles as I paint to get it to do what I want. Now I need to decide if I want to use colour or try a grisaille using the new tube of Gamblin's Torrit Grey that I got yesterday. The reference has a lot of interesting colours in it that I can emphasize, but I like the thought of monotone too. Decisions, decisions...
4 comments:
I recognize that guy! You have a wonderful start...really great!
Good Morning Jeanette,
What a shock! I was cruising through my favorite blogs and there I was! I knew you had family visiting and in no way expected to see this great drawing.
When I say "great", of course I mean your skills, not the subject. :) You have nailed the pose and if you'd like to stop right now, it would be okay by me.
Your talent shines brighter than the Northern Lights, Jeanette, and whatever additional work is done on this, it's already a tremendous success. Bravo!
Now, get back to snuggling your grand-baby.
Sincerely,
Gary.
This is a beautiful start - and I knew exactly who it was from the sidebar photo :) And your new photo is great - perhaps a new haircut? I know both you and Gary will raise the bar on your portraiture and your followers will get the benefit of watching :)
Thanks Celeste, I've got a good model to work with!
Awww Gary, you're being kind. Being me, I see all sorts of changes I need to make even before I start painting, but thanks for the boost to keep me going. It will get better!
Hi Rhonda, I'm glad there's a likeness in the drawing so far that's recognizable. It should be an interesting process to move through.
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