8x12I'm collecting some photos for Ted Nuttall's class and borrowed this one of my mother's brother Bob taken around the time my parents got married, 1957; mom was 20, so Uncle Bob was 18 or, at most, 19.
My entire childhood I had a crush of sorts on Uncle Bob: I was just awed by his beauty! When I was 10 he came to help us move, and he had longish shaggy hair and a beard and mustache: better-looking than ever. That was the last time I saw him well, before he was diagnosed with cancer.
I genericized (unintentionally!) his face too much--it should be longer, narrower; the space above the upper lip wider ... And yet, when I stepped back, I was astoundded to see my brother John's son John, who is 19. Right down to the curled lip!
You really are mastering this! That portrait is stunning!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for you to see you doing such good portrait work.. Oh, sure I'd have a crush on him too !!
ReplyDeleteWow--Laura, you're going to shine in that class--you're already getting comfortable doing these. That looks great! You should bring it to show Ted, for sure. Awesome!
ReplyDeletethe portrait has come out wonderfully well! great going, like the gentle washes and the subtle variations in colours that blends beautifully~
ReplyDeleteLaura, Ted is going to say, "You don't need this workshop!" You already are doing so well with portraits and I like how you incorporate family history with your portraits, too :) Of course, I can't wait to hear how it goes with the workshop and what you come away with in the end!
ReplyDeleteLaura, he is beautiful! Your watercolor portraits are just fabulous. I love each and every one. I love hearing how your nephew looks like your uncle!
ReplyDeleteI think you've done this really beautifully. Wish I could paint with no preliminary pencil sketch like this.
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone: I think the encouragement you've offered me will really help me in Ted Nuttall's class!
ReplyDeleteThere is so much to consider in a portrait! 1. I want it to look like a human--not even a particular human (not at this point anyway) and 2), maybe more important, I want it to be a good painting ... That's where Ted's going to help me a lot.
Frank, I just wanted to let you know, I did do a preliminary pencil sketch--it was very light, so perhaps it doesn't show in the photos.
This is beautiful Laura. Love these portraits.
ReplyDeleteSuperb. You are quite the master, especially of eyes, those windows to the soul. Makes your portraits alive. And very painterly, very comfortable and relaxed, so issue number 2 is well-covered.
ReplyDeleteYou are brave to attemp a portrait in watercolour - something I have yet to do! What a great job you have done though! And how amazing that you see his son - It just goes to show you have captured the man himself :0)
ReplyDeletehi laura.. been a bit busy and havent blogged lately ,but in glancing around today, noticed you are going to teds class.. when are you going or have you already gone..?? ill be going in oct and im so excited and nervous.. ive been practicing painting vertically and in the begining what a mess.. but now better..
ReplyDeletegood luck, have fun and enjoy.. and share please anything and everything... :)