Click on image to enlarge.8"x 8" Oil on Ampersand Gessoboard.
Completing this self-portrait was a New Year's resolution ... so I'm done for the year! lol I was determined to finish this before beginning anything else ...
My husband said to me the eyes were just right. This thrilled me because painting eyes has always been a struggle for me in general. And going for a "piercing" eye effect and making the eyes the focal point was a major goal in this painting.
I learned so much through this exercise. Working from a photo, it became apparent that I needed to frequently check the mirror to move toward getting a true likeness -- it hadn't occurred to me just how much the [ original ] photo was distorted. Although using a grid for the pencil drawing ( seen in a previous post ), constant measuring was still necessary in the painting. The left eye was completely wiped midway and moved to the left. This stage of the painting took about three days to accomplish.
Now I understand why portrait painters get the big bucks! And there's a new admiration for their work. Though very pleased with the outcome, I learned through the process that I still need much practice in measuring and drawing plus some lessons in mixing the proper colors for flesh.
My husband said to me the eyes were just right. This thrilled me because painting eyes has always been a struggle for me in general. And going for a "piercing" eye effect and making the eyes the focal point was a major goal in this painting.
I learned so much through this exercise. Working from a photo, it became apparent that I needed to frequently check the mirror to move toward getting a true likeness -- it hadn't occurred to me just how much the [ original ] photo was distorted. Although using a grid for the pencil drawing ( seen in a previous post ), constant measuring was still necessary in the painting. The left eye was completely wiped midway and moved to the left. This stage of the painting took about three days to accomplish.
Now I understand why portrait painters get the big bucks! And there's a new admiration for their work. Though very pleased with the outcome, I learned through the process that I still need much practice in measuring and drawing plus some lessons in mixing the proper colors for flesh.
13 comments:
Wow.... yes and you too could make big bucks with the awesome way you do portraits. Eyes are challenging and you do do them well. The DSFDF challenge was difficult because you had no control over the reference piece. Now there is no stopping you!!!
You mean you'er not a portrait painter? You fooled me! Loved you DSFDF painting and this one is wonderful too.
Amazing, you are talented!
Marilyn, I was looking forward to seeing your finished self portrait, and WOW!!! It's just wonderful!! You make it look like you've been doing portraits for years already!! Great work!
Marilyn, this is another very fine portrait that you've done here. Have you found your new calling I wonder???
I so appreciate all your kind words. Thanks so much for visiting.
Vern, I don't think I'm ready yet to be under the kind of "pressure" to follow that calling. I kind of like my fruit! lol They are not picky about how they look!
Hi Marilyn, I just ran across your blog and your self portrait. I never met you so I don't know if it looks like you but the feeling is sure there. I feel like I know you, at least a little bit, just from your painting.
Wow, Marilyn, amazing self portrait! I'm very impressed, but not surprised -- you're a wonderful artist!
Very nice!
And yes, I got to deal with that a lot during my figure drawing class. For sketchbook assignments I would draw my friends, and you have to nit pick over the tiniest details on the face to get it to look like a specific person. Photographs aren't enough to get it just right..
I've been checking back when I can to see if you'd finished it so I'm delighted to see you have! Lovely painting-- And you make it look so easy. I can see why you're pleased!
Beautifully done...I love the pensive look and the colors are great. You should paint portraits.
Thanks for more feedback, it's much appreciated!!!!!
Beautiful portrait!!!!
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