I worked most of the day on this painting and I'm still stewing over what sort of background to paint. Her yarn-knit hat is covered in real and wilting flowers... peonies? I painted the hat with a brush, then a palette knife. I had to darken the photo reference quite a bit to even see the flowers. I KNOW the embroidery isn't accurate as to the photo.... I did the best I could without making myself completely nuts. A little nuts is ok, right?
I'm looking forward to hanging out tomorrow with those of you who have the time! Noon on Sunday- Central Time.
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/susancarlin
Peruvian Girl Progress
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20 comments:
Oh! She's beautiful!!! Whatever background, maybe one that one detract from all her beautiful detail. Just precious.
What a sweet precious face, I said it before but I love the light on her face.
Super painting. She is on the altiplano, probably near Cusco so you could have just sky behind her down to flat brown dirt. :) Blurred out background. Look at these photos for an idea. The trees are eucalyptus.
Hi Susan! This is my all time favorite, can't wait to see what kind of background you'll do. The color on her face is so alive, healthy and real, the details of the clothing are magnificent and the dog is adorable, so beautifully rendered!
Also, I'm looking forward for the art demo today. Will try to figure out how to watch it and the time (in Switzerland). Good luck!
Thanks, artbymj. I'm thinking the same thing... I want her to stay the focal point, so I need a simplistic background. But then I don't want the contrast to be startling, either. I may try various options on the computer first.
Thanks, Barbara. I think it was the shadow/light on her face that made me want to paint her- that unusual shape caused by the flowers. The clothing made me want to cry, instead. The puppy- a bonus!
Thanks, Cheri! Can you imagine decorating your child's hat with flowers before sending her out in the morning? My daughter was lucky to get her hair brushed and the pb&j washed off her face.
Oh, Jo- Thank you for the photos! Very helpful. One of my newsletter subscribers just sent me some photos of her trip to Machu Pichu in January and there were some of more girls in flower hats just like this one! Cool. Between yours and hers, I should get some ideas.
Thanks, Theresa. You'll get the prize for the viewer from the farthest away, I'm sure. I hope you'll log in so I can tell you're there!
SUPERB!!!
This is just gorgeous! the shadows on her face, and everything else about it, is really great. wonderful painting
Hi Susan, What a beautiful portrait, stunning! One thing I do when I'm stuck on what to do with a painting...tape a piece of clear acetate over it and paint on that to try different colors. It works every time, I freely try things I wouldn't do directly on the painting. Can't wait to see what you decide on.
I have goosebumps. This is wonderful.
Top notch, Susan. I especially love that gorgeous shadow on her forehead cast by the flowers on the hat. And you've done her puppy just right. Your work is getting richer by the day.
Just Beautiful Susan!
I love this portrait.
Sorry, I missed your demo today. I had "running around" to do.
Amy
Whoa!! This almost knocked me out of my chair. I love her.
Absolutely beautiful - who cares about the background when the subject is so marvelous?
Great painting, Susan! (that puppy is so cute and looks so relaxed) I agree with Diane about the shadow and hat and you just keep getting better -- thanks for sharing. Sorry I missed you today.
Hi Susan, Loved the demo yesterday, the cat painting came out great. I'll be watching for the next show.
By the way...I have awarded you the Brillante Weblog award - you can read the info on my blog. You can pass it on or not, your choice. I figured this was just a nice way to let you know I appreciate your work.
Thank you, Everyone! I had my nose to the grindstone all day, so it feels good to check in here and find all your great comments. I hope to work more on this painting on Thursday. I have an almost-unheard-of two days off in row starting tomorrow! What??? Not paint??? I know. Whatever will I do? Home and family maintenance for sure. Maybe I can sneak in some painting time, too. And check out what you all have been painting.... yes!
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