I painted this 20" x 16" oil on stretched canvas today from 1-5:15 p.m. I'm pretty sure it's not done, but I had to quick take photos and then clean up fast so I could run and catch my bus.
The subject is Beverly, who is in charge of La Villita operations. She dropped off my rent check one morning wearing this great hat and electric blue outfit. By now you know my M.O., right? I begged. She struck this pose in my doorway and I snapped three shots. I've eliminated the paintings in the background and suggested a minimalist landscape. I guess I have a thing for people in hats, huh?
I planned to take progress photos throughout but got absorbed after the third photo and didn't remember until it was time to go. I worked with the reference image on my monitor, which I set up on top of the counter facing my easel.
I planned to take progress photos throughout but got absorbed after the third photo and didn't remember until it was time to go. I worked with the reference image on my monitor, which I set up on top of the counter facing my easel.
I'm really enjoying the palette knife as a way to apply paint. Don't worry- I haven't abandoned my brushes, but I'm enjoying the texture and energy this method adds to a painting!
18 comments:
Oh My!! You are really rocking that palette knife. These past two portraits are so beautiful. The Riverwalk painting is no slouch, either. You are making me want to get out my paints. Thanks for being such an inspiration.
Susan, you're just amazing! This portrait is so good! I love the colors and the way you got her expression and a perfect likeness. I can't wait to see the next one.
These palette knife portraits are fantastic! I would love to watch you do one some time. Just beautiful! Great job!
Just amazing, Susan - and it's obvious you're having fun too! It's so interesting to see the progression while you're painting. Great work - I love the colors and the shading!
Susan this is fantastic - such energy going on here. Love the colors. I can tell you are really having fun. Really nice! Keep 'em coming!
Another great one Susan, you're going to have to take out a loan for paint with all you are going through, lol. I was thinking palette knife painting would be good for all of us, mix up a color, lay it down and don't mess with it. We all need to learn to do that with our brushes.
Radiant beauty.
You know, I became attached to the cropped detail image before I scrolled down. It works really nicely.
I'm glad you're not above begging. Do you need to post a disclaimer on the gallery door?
Thank you, Everyone! I feel like I've been introduced to a new game and I can't wait to play again. Today's Bonnie's day at the gallery, though, and my house needs some serious digging out, so I'll have to be patient. Maybe. I do have paint and a palette knife here at the house...
What I notice about using the knife is that it makes you look decisive and bold, because you have no other choice but to make bigger marks.
Barbara, I think I'm using a bit more paint, but not that much more. I'm not thinning it all, though, so I'm saving on Gamsol and I don't have to wash brushes! Cool.
My, how gorgeous! Those lovely rich gold in the hat, ochres, oranges and and reds in her skin, radiant blues in both the hat and her dress, and the background is right on. And I love that little glimmer of light coming from the earring on our right and little glow on the ear. And the more I look, the more I see.
Susan, this one photographs beautifully, but WOW! seeing it today in the gallery it is even more striking! I love everything about it. And the eyes really grabbed me!
Thanks for stopping by Susan!
Your palette knife paintings are really amazing!
Too scary for me, I'm afraid.
I'll check back later!
Oh, this is cool! I love it.
Susan, this is "crazy good & beautiful !" Now, I can't wait to hear how your model likes, loves, her portrait, when you show it to her.Lucky Lady and beautiful too.
It was a lucky day for me when I stumbled into your blogland, so inspiring.
Amy
To me it looks done and perfectly done.
wow susan these are so strong,
and all so different,they are alive!
Thanks for the inspiration! Your palette knife work is amazing and adds such feeling to your already fabulous portraits. I was working with a palette knife again this weekend and really noticed how much easier it is to get vibrant colors with it. You're amazing!
Golly Geewillikers, Artist Pals- Thank you for all the great comments! Jana, I'm going to keep watching your site to see those knife paintings a'comin'...
Amy, I can't wait to see what she says about it, too. She's on an extended absence right now, so I'm being patient (HA!).
Susan, I love this portrait. Your work is amazing and ever evolving. I think I like these latest pallet knife paintings better than your other works...and I thought they were just great. Love the texture!
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