Looking good as usual, Jimmie.

Turns out backgrounds are more important than I thought. I changed my block in procedure after reading this --->(click here for link to download). It's some insanely useful Sargent notes which discuss his integration of backgrounds into his portrait subjects. I did a 2-hour alla prima demo this past Friday, and wow, did this info hit the mark!

Hope it helps!

Thanks for the info, I'll read it whan I get more time. I guess I'll change the color, not sure what to. I'll have to make more sketches before I decide on something. It's only one coat of color, so it'll be easy to cover. Wallis paper is supposed to take up to 25 layers. I think I've gotten close to that in my previous piece during all my confusion. Thanks again.

Please don't get mad at me Chris, I had to see what the ochre looked like!

I actually like the way it looks, I'm going to rework the face after I've completed the background which will be a bit lighter. In my defense of the background, my wife likes it, and if it bothered her, she'd let me know.

The purple was purposely smudged because I did'nt like the way it was coming out. I may leave it till the end and decide what to do with it.

The frame is from a program, was playing around to find a good cropping point.

Any comments or critiques appreciated.

Jimmie this is fabulous. I think it shouldn't be long before you are doing this FT. I really like the light blue/ochre background mixture and I wonder if it would help to go a bit farther with the blue to cool more of the background. One area that I would be tempted to change is the stripe of ochre - I like the stripe concept but the hair under the chin is so close in value and color to it that when I squint my eyes it (the hair) becomes lost - I guess I just want to see better the marvellous treatment of that hair.

I LOVE your sensitive and deft modelling of the face. Excellent!!

Jimmie, I agree, this is fabulous! I love the dramatic lighting. I'd love to see your work in person. (90 miles seems doable). :thumbsup: :thumbsup: I hope this is about done!

Garth

Jimmie--

I'm not worried about you a bit! All of the solutions are already in your first post.

This is really shaping up.

Best--TE

Jimmie, this is much better than I envisioned it from the sketch. Could we have some close-ups please?

Jean

Thanks everyone for the encouragement.

That are will be lightened along with the rest of the background. I will most likely simply drag a piece of lighter pastel over it so the original paper color and darker ochre still show. If need be, I'll rehandle the hair if it does'nt stand out enough. There will be some more blue added to the background.

Well Garth, I'll show you mine if you show me yours. Wait, that did'nt come out right!!! The trunk of my car is huge, I can take them with me to Philly as long as you show me some works in progress. Deal?

Does a bear go poopie in the woods? Is the pope catholic? Is Beth America's new sweetheart? Those answers are yes, but mine is no. I still need several hours.

Thank you Tom and Jean, once I put a few more hours into it, I'll post some closeups. Currently, the face is'nt much different than the original closeup posted.

I just had to chime in after watching this develop. I love this painting but I am especially drawn to the way you treated the lighting on the right side of the hair. I like how you are tying that in with the blue in the background. It's really a stunner.

Beautiful Jimmie
Very excited to see your work in color. and I like the drama of the lighting and the pose (back of the hair is delicious). I agree, soon you will be FT.

A Great Big Fan!!!
Patty