(10x15)These are my parents, Peg and Dan. I took the picture I'm working from when I was working in Manhattan, their hometown, and they came up to visit me and tour the neighborhood where they grew up, Yorkville. I took them on a handsome cab ride through Central Park, something none of us had ever done. They're looking at the buildings around the park, and their faces are rapt.
I started this with glazes of raw sienna, permanent rose, and cobalt; then added some burnt sienna. And now I'm a bit stymied--I don't really know what to do next.
Keep building darker values to build their facial features. What a great start!
ReplyDeleteI just love your style and fresh colours... wonderful start for a precious painting
ReplyDeleteNo pressure Laura, it'll come to you... BJ
ReplyDeleteLaura, someone once told me to do the eyes first. If you get the eyes right the whole thing will fall into place. This one will be beautiful, I just know it.
ReplyDeleteGreat start! Build the darker values a little more; you'll know exactly what to do then. Putting their eyes in then will bring it all to life.
ReplyDeletenice fresh washes. just keep going...
ReplyDeleteOh those dark values, they are so scary! I get stuck at the same spot, you just have to grit your teeth and do it.
ReplyDeleteThis is looking so absolutely wonderful, Laura. I can't give advice (for who am I?), but can say that maybe just a break and coming back to it will fill you with insight. I can't wait to see it finished. It is going to be such a wonderful treasure!
ReplyDeleteYou've got a good start. Sit on it for a while... it will come to you.
ReplyDeleteIt already looks just like them, particularly your Dad. Good practice for the upcoming class (and a big picture). You make me so jealous.
ReplyDeleteHi Laura,
ReplyDeleteYou could stop right now and have an amazing painting, or carry on if the mood hits you. So lovely. I can just imagine the whole experience too. Such an incredible place.
XOBarbara
I'm having the same problems - with colors - when I do a child's portrait. I don't seem as able to just place any color in there but want it to be pink-cheeked and rosy skinned - which doesn't work for me! So...I go back to the photo and print it out in black and white and then paint the shadow shapes and it works better. It might help. Forget the color - just paint the shapes in different values :)
ReplyDeleteOh, I LOVE this--so luminous. I had to laugh when I read your comment--not knowing what to do next. I know EXACTLY how that feels. So often, I'll do one wash of something and then find myself thinking...ok,....soooooooo, now what!!? Classic. Glad I'm not the only one who goes through that. I like this just as it is!
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