(15x30)From one of Mel's fabulous reference photos. I just loved this woman's face. I have to lift some from the eye that's in shadow (it's too dark) and work on her left shoulder/clavicle area a bit (and I should've softened the v of her shawl) ... There are problems, but I like face, especially the lips.
Mel's demonstration--he painted one of the workshoppers--was a revelation. He did a big, loose, wet wash ... then somehow pulled, with the minimum of strokes possible, details from it. In the case of the painting above, after his demo, I realized what I had to concentrate on not losing was the light on the cheek and nose... and I think those highlights really make it.
I don't usually paint people, but every time I do, I want to do more; faces are just endlessly fascinating.
Wonderful! Love the touch of red on her shawl, and her eye as well. Love how the loose washes can show such detail.
ReplyDeleteWow! And you are going so big! 15x30! The first subject seems confidently determined too. Hmm.
ReplyDeleteLaura, your portraits are wonderful! Congradulations!!!
ReplyDeleteThese portraits are truly lovely. I like all the colors you used in the lady...she is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYou paint faces beautifully. I love the eyes in the first one...didn't even notice the shoulder until I read what you said. The hair in the second one is awesome.
ReplyDeleteI do love the face in profile, from the paint-my-photo. The first example you showed is quite lovely, and I don't see what it is you think you need to change on the face (in any case, does the instructor give you help in how to lift without spoiling such delicate and loose washes?). The ONLY issue I see is, as you said, the V-point where the ends of the shawl meet, that draws the eye downward out of the painting. The cropped version is perfection!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful faces and I love the last one - the clean lines add to her look of determination. Don't change a thing! So much right with the top one, too, although you see the things that need to be fixed. I enjoyed seeing all of your workshop work.
ReplyDeleteWow Laura,
ReplyDeleteThese are so spectacular. I don't think you have to change anything. I love them. Wow girl. You sure can paint!!!!!!!
XO Barbara
Beautiful paintings! a brilliant work.. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteLove these portraits and you have a lovely blog! I will definitely be back.
ReplyDeleteThese look great Laura, an inspiring workshop! For some reason I haven't been getting updates from your blog as used to occur, just discovered these posts. Keep those brushes moving!
ReplyDeleteMuy hermosos retratos, cada uno con su estilo propio. Felicitaciones!!!
ReplyDeleteOh my these are lovely... you have truly captured their character.
ReplyDeleteOk- just one more comment from me today... I L O V E the bottom one of the girl with the green background.. something so clean and simple about it yet with depth.
ReplyDeletethe bottom one is very striking ... fantastic work from the workshop laura ...thanks for sharing your work
ReplyDelete