Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Highlights in colored pencil


Here is an update on my colored pencil portrait work in progress. In the past, I used many dark colored pencils for not only shadows, but also highlighted areas, using a light touch. For this portrait, I am using more light colors on the light side of the face, and finding the whole process a lot easier and smoother-looking. I just try not to go too light too soon, or else really bright highlights do not show.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Re-Learning Colored Pencil



I'm starting a new colored pencil portrait, and remembering a few things that I had forgotten - like reserving white areas and color mixing - very different from oil! I'm working on sanded paper so I can apply lights over darks, but the resulting color is always a mix of the colors used, so it involves a bit of planning. Luckily, I work in layers, so I have many opportunities to adjust value and color. Here you can see the underdrawing done in dark umber, and the beginnings of some layers. The earlobe on the left and the scarf are pretty much done, though I may alter them later after working on other sections.

Monday, February 11, 2013

Portrait In (Slow) Progress


I've made some refinements here, and toned down the chair quite a bit. I still have a lot of work to do, especially on the sweater, hands, chair, and minor refinements elsewhere. I'm working only about 2 hours per day, and only a few days per week on this one... so progress is slow!

Thursday, February 7, 2013

New Painting in Progress



Here are two snapshots of a painting on my easel. I started with an underpainting using burnt umber and thinned out with turpentine (I use Shiva Signa-Turp), and then started painting thicker layers. I still need additional layer(s) of paint on the chair to tone it down and refine, as well as the socks, hands, sweater, pants, and maybe some refinements to the face.

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Salon International


I am so excited to learn that my oil portrait, Josh, has been selected for the Greenhouse Gallery of Fine Art Salon International 2013! The exhibition will take place at the Greenhouse Gallery in San Antonio from April 13 to May 3, and will include original oil and acrylic paintings. The juror will beDaniel E. Greene, N.A. For more information, see http://hbedrosian.fineartstudioonline.com/event/41752/greenhouse-gallery-of-fine-art-salon-international