January 15, 2008
I’ve been slowly working on this painting… we are talkin’ s l o w l y BUT it’s finally getting there. I’m almost done with the bottom corner, about one more evening session and then all that is left is the top. I’m a little nervous about working next to the cupcake whipped cream that I worked so hard on only because it’s been so long ago when I painted it I’m unsure if I’ll be able to “repair” any mistakes I might cause… me being paranoid. You can see from the image below about my studio the size of the piece, it’s pretty large.
October 1, 2007
here is the image she wanted to see.
Two weeks ago Fred and I went spent a weekend at Fort Flagler, a wonderful state park camp ground outside of Port Townsend on the waters edge. It was a particularly stressful work week so the camping trip was much needed; it was truly a mini-break. We went with Kevin and Elizabeth a very skilled and prepared camping and outdoorsy couple… Fred and I… not so much. I was unable to break away from work so while I was trying to get away Fred was packing up so that we could just leave when I was done, in Fred’s haste he forgot to pack bedding, pillows and coats! K & E had spares so we were taken care of BUT it was a running joke all weekend long. They also brought along with pie iron that made 2 slices of bread and any filling into a toasted pie… E called it the “pudgy pie” maker. I spent the weekend make pie experiments over the fire.
Beautiful specimen of a mini crab, completely preserved and bleached by the sun along with some complete crab claws I found combing the beach with E. I’m going to frame the crab claws in a shadow box.
I also got a chance to sit by the beach and paint. I found a pile of crab claws on a picnic table I assume was gathered by a child. I love the colors of the claw so while they went on a hike I stayed behind and painted. It was very relaxing.
September 17, 2007
After a 24 hour painting marathon I finished the wedding gift painting. The bride and groom loved it which was great… they were in awe of the final product which felt nice. I didn’t have much time in between painting so the 3rd round to final is quite a jump but you get a sense of the final product.
Here is where I took a break to have a photo taken of the progress unfortunately I do not have a photo of the line work before hand…
TA-DA! Here it is. I love how the groom’s shirt came out; I was doubtful of the highlights of pink and purple but they really completed the look nicely. I found out, though, that the base of the purple oil pastel can not be painted over with out the color seeping back through. IF I want to paint over this color in the future I’ll have to spray a top coat before continuing which I’ve never done before. The favor portion turned out great and the wedding date is viewable inside the tin which is written on the M&M… Overall despite my fears of portrait work this turned out great with minimal issue. I’m very happy with how it turned out!
September 12, 2007
I have begun the base paint shadows on the groom’s face along with the hair. I thought the facial hair would be much harder that its turning out to be which is a relief. For right now I’m really pleased with the progress… We are meeting up with them this weekend so I’ve got to get it done but done right. (Secretly I think Fred set up this date to get the painting done because I was neglecting it… I don’t blame him) I’m working on the groom’s vest / shirt last and thinking about how to do the intense highlight on the back of his head - the hair is a completely different tone with the sunlight hitting it.
While waiting for the groom’s base paint to dry I increased the density of the highlights on the bride’s cheek, above her eye brow and her forehead. I also worked on her left hand but it was frustrating me so I stopped. I’ll continue tomorrow and maybe sketch in the favor portion of the painting…
August 27, 2007
Most people who see my method of painting find it odd because I like to complete sections vs. painting evenly - working my way to an end. I find that completing sections invigorates me to continue. Especially in large pieces if I have to all the base coat, then all the low lights…then the highlights…then the fine details…snore I lose interest quickly. I say this whole background story because I am almost finished with the bride’s face and I am now moving on to the groom. I am waiting to address the last of the fine details until the whole painting is done to ensure the overall look is even. So far it’s turning out nicely… I am nervous to begin the groom because he is the one I am most familiar with. For the bride - not knowing her / her face well has worked in my advantage because I’m not as hung up on the details… I know with the groom this will be a hurdle I will face. I’m leaving the groom’s clothing and the tiara since the whites will be in the same tone making it easier for the transition from warm to cool.
August 16, 2007
In collaboration with my hubby (he shot & chose the picture) I have started this painting as a belated gift for our friends who recently got married. Fred had requested I create it and I agreed despite my fear dislike of portrait work. I am about objects… objects can be interpreted by the artist “eye” more loosely than what I feel you can do with portraits - I feel that if it does not look like the person it’s not a successful painting! (especially if it’s a gift) I keep thinking about that episode of King of Queens!! That is huge pressure…
I gridded the photo to ensure accuracy and penciled in the photo directly on the canvas. The lines were pretty harsh so that I could see them through the multi-layers of paint. I started on the background since it was not a subtle texture (they were married outside - this is a first dance shot) and would require a lot of pastel work before I stared on the skin tones. I still have not quite finished the back ground but quite frankly I was getting sick of working with nothing but green. The bride’s skin tones are much darker than what will be the final product. The under painting creates the base in which I go from dark to light. I also tinted the skin a little on the red side because my pastel colors I have available lack in the flesh tones. The close up is of the detail I have achieved so far. As you can see the painting is much more delicate than the line drawing… I can’t wait to paint the jewelry!
Of course I will be adding my style to this portrait. The blank section on the right hand side will be of a picture Fred took of their wedding favor. It is in keeping with who I am as an artist and the bride told me that they didn’t get to see the finished favors as the arrived the day of the wedding. I think it’s a nice touch.
August 9, 2007
What can I say… it’s a slow day.
August 5, 2007
Check out my artist statement to understand the why. Here’s the how: I use a mixture of acrylic paints and oil pastels. Despite the oil and water bases they mix surprisingly well. I work in phases as you can see below.
This painting was gifted to my friend Lynn.
