I have been working on a cp portrait commission, but also recently finished two oil portraits that I thought I'd post here. The first portrait is of Brian (my favorite model and test subject) and is on canvas. The second one is on Rtistx pastel panel. For my first oil portrait, I kind of just dove in and didn't pre-mix any of the colors, but rather mixed them as I went along. My palette was a complete unorganized mess for most of the time I worked on this piece, but it was a good learning experience. For the second portrait of Caitlyn, I tried pre-mixing a few colors I knew I'd use, but I also worked in a somewhat chaotic manner as I had to wipe all of the paint off the board after working for several hours because the panel did not absorb the paint in the same way that the canvas did. All in all I really enjoy working in oil because I tend to like to start with basic shapes and blocks of color, developing detail as I go.
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9 comments:
Both are very life-like. You must have been an artist in another life, huh? How do you just pick up something new and still look like a pro? Keep it up.
I really admire the beautifully subtle transitions of tone and color in your paintings. They give the skin of your subjects a natural quality. I see the same precise control as in your pencil pieces, but with a painterly quality that adds to the beauty of the finished piece.
Your comments about the board vs canvas are interesting. I find a quality in the way a brush moves over canvas that I just didn't anticipate when I started painting. Also, as you mention, the paint acts differently. I started out thinking I would prefer the smooth surface of a board, but I find quite the opposite to be true.
Elizabeth - that's quite a compliment; thank you!
Gary, I agree with you on preferring canvas to a smoother board surface. The reason I like canvas is because I can start out more aggressive in laying down bold blocks of color, and still apply finer details and subtle glazes later on.
Impressive portraits Holly! I wish I could see them in person and really appreciate the brushwork. It looks like you are a natural for oil painting.
Very beautiful portraits! You have created wonderful skin tones in both and the light is lovely.
These are truly super. I may be jumping the gun but my feeling is you have found your medium. There is so much life and feel in these portraits I can't wait to see what the next ones bring:)
Thank you Debbi, Kasie, and Sheona. I do feel very comfortable painting with oil - it just suits my style (quickly throw down some shapes and color and later refine).
You are doing a great job. You have a real feel for what you are doing. I think it is great.
Thank you, Gary. Your wildlife and landscapes are amazing - I am now subscribed to your blog.
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