I had a fun time today painting this fellow, James. A young woman named Alexis who was being trained by the Travel Channel to record video and interview people had been sent out to gather 15 minutes of someone doing something. I got to be the someone and I got to paint the something. I went next door to see if I could round up a model and James volunteered. (Reluctantly, I think.) The first version is below and took about 45 minutes. I took his photo and worked another 45 minutes to an hour on it since. I still see discrepancies- the nose, especially, isn't right, but Hey! it's not a commission and he's not going to buy it, and I've deemed it done. So there.
And I thought I was going to do office work all day... this was MUCH more fun. The office work can wait.
Portrait from life- James
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12 comments:
Wow, Susan, nice work. It takes me 45 minutes to paint a wall in the background of a painting. ;-)
It's the truth, isn't it, Bill? The background and the clothes take way more time than they should. Buy, hey, when the pressure's on, I'm sure you can pour on the paint, too. I kind of like the excitement of a limited amount of time... am i alone in that?
That left (his right) ear is beautiful! And you've handled the glasses in a way most portrait painters should envy. Of course it's a fine job throughout, but I just love the way you've done that ear.
Wonderful work, Susan. I like the grey-blues especially. And the glasses are done so well - excellent!!
What a fun day for you! I love how you did the glasses and admire that you can work so quickly and under pressure!
Thank you, Dianne. You made me go back and look at the ear to see what made you say that. Because it's so understated? Thank you, in any case!
Thank you, Regina, (and Dianne and Karen, too!) for commenting on his glasses. I think they're 'mostly' successful in this painting. Thank you, too for commenting on the blue-greys. In the time after the sitting, working from the photo, I noticed the green cast in the transition of light to shadow, and the reflected blue under his chin from his shirt. That was fun to do.
Thank you, Karen, for your comment on my speed. Somehow, having to work quickly increases my enjoyment of the process. I don't think it works that way for everyone. I think having company for the process makes it more fun for me, too. A lot of artists prefer solitary and abundant time to create in. Go figure! I see how I cheated him of a wider jawline, as well as the wider nose in my effort to be quick. So there's a downside to fast vs. working from photos.
Susan, Thank you ,
I also work better with lots going on around me. I almost forgot that.
I am over my "hump". But, it is not done yet.
I like having things going on around me when I work, also. My children around, what ever. I can paint while people watch.
It may be because I came from such a large family, I don't know.
But, please visit my blog, you will be happy..or happy for me. Amy
Hi Susan! Beautiful new portraits, congratulations. It's AMAZING what you can do in such a short time! Are you going to be on TV with the travel channel? Hugs to you!
Thank you, Amy and Theresa. Love your new drawing, Amy! No, Theresa, she was in training, so it was like a student project. I did ask to receive a copy of her results if she was able.
You are so brave! I guess this comes with all the experience you have behind you. I am such a timid painter. Hope to grow as time passes.
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