Slow Progress

A couple of glazes on the skirts and one on the face, and it is coming together very slowly. I am going to have to buy me a fast drying medium before this drives me nuts!

WAG Portrait from Life

Young Jasper came to sit for us today and he was brilliant. A delightful young man, who not only did not move a muscle, but was also very impressed by our efforts. 

This painting was also done by my technique of using very thin paint, different colours straight from the tube  and using no medium to thin it. Much easier to control and to get 'portrait' colours. Loved it!

This is what I had hoped to demonstrate and teach yesterday!

WA - Self Portrait

Sharon

 Linda

 June

 Valerie

 Christine

                   

Judith

 Veronica

Michelle

The girls kindly allowed me to show them how I start off  a portrait, in oils. None of them paint portraits and most of them are unfamiliar with oils, so....brave girls. 

I started by going through the basic proportions, eyes halfway between top and chin, nose halfway between eyes and chin, etc. I asked them to make an underpainting in one colour, paying attention to form, light and dark, shapes. I didn't do much of a demo, preferring to talk to folks about their own work and worries. I applaud every one for having a good go, and getting very close to a likeness. You would be able to match each girl with her portrait, which is a fantastic achievement for a first attempt. 

I had a good time, despite not usually liking to be in the spotlight, and finding it difficult to articulate my methods, but I am thrilled with the results. The girls enjoyed it too, and we even talked about 'next time'! 

More Play

I am currently working on a commission, which I will show when done, but I'm enjoying using up the paint at the end of the Session!

Smile 10" × 12" Oil

Continue to Play/Practise

This delightful lady allowed me to photograph her to practise my portrait painting skills, for which I am grateful. I regretfully omitted to ask her name, though! Thankyou......and sorry.

Rembrandt

Enjoyed chucking some paint about today, and was not ready to stop when the dinner gong sounded! A lot of adjustment to do.

This resulted from a meet up with Martin Kinnear, a very interesting chat about all things arty and a portrait commission, more of which another time.

Next

Detail of start of new painting. Same girl, different colours.

Progress