Revamp of painting from last year


I'm trying to put some new "sample" portraits up in the gallery and thought I'd try to improve this one that I'd started last year, but set aside due to some drawing and temperature issues I had with it. I like it much better now. The image below is the "before":

Cute enough, I suppose, but the hat didn't sit on her head correctly, and her face was warm and warmer, with no ochres or blues.
Below is the reference photo- perhaps an oft-used image from the reference library at wetcanvas.com:

9 comments:

Regina Calton Burchett said...

Susan - I like your background better than the one in the photo - wonderful color choices on her face too. Great job!

Dar Presto said...

I appreciate you showing this. It was a fine painting, but the modifications make a significant difference. The images and explanation really help me to see issues of temperature better. Thanks so much!!

Susan Carlin said...

Thank you, Regina. You know I hadn't really compared the backgrounds... I just concerned myself with the various value contrasts on all her edges, and loved that I got to have a smokey lost edge under her chinny chin.

Susan Carlin said...

Thank you, Nancy. Now, I'm waiting for that self portrait! heh

Susan Carlin said...

Thank you, Dar. I still think this portrait is a bit "sweet" with the high key colors, but this is the frontier I'm on now... color and harmonies and courting the greys. I managed to put a few in this one, but I have far to go in this adventure.

Jo Castillo said...

Susan, this is great. I love the refreshed colors and lost lines. Super and it has come alive.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Susan,

Isn't that exciting. It's just lovely now. Somehow what you've changed makes her look more like a little child, and more beautiful.
Great!
xoxoxoxBarbara

Isabel Forbes said...

Thanks for sharing this. We all could learn so much from sharing our challenges.

CandynRA said...

Hi Susan...I am continually amazed at your renderings! You do beautiful work, and sharing about your challenges sure help those of us that are still being taught. I've really enjoyed spending time on Ustream with you and all your friends, too. It's been a real learning experience for me. Thank you for making it available!