This is the figurative piece where I posted the reference photo for critique.

Honestly I hope it shows well, but for some reason I saw the post where Marvin was telling Will his skin color palette and it just clicked for me. My first pass on this, I was so excited about the skin tones I fired it off via e-mail to Bill Whitaker whose workshop I am attending this month (sweaty palms just thinking about it). He thought it was a leap in skin color with oils for me too.

It has been through at least 4 changes.

The link for the reference critique is:

Figurative Prayer


I can't believe how distorted the digital image was that I posted initially, hopefully this one is better and you will look again. You might need to hit your refresh key.

Again these digitals just don't do them justice.

I wanted to tackle a very strong dark (black) background, just to see what the learning experience would be.

Reading Oil Painting Secrets from a Master the rule about cool receeding and warm bringing to the front was also qualified by how to make a black lighter and darker which is what I put to use.

The background is black with blue and her veil and wrap is black with red, the black is lightened with yellow.

I was not sure of the "sparkles" in the veil, they are there, but I tried to down play them in the dark areas, but couldn't keep them the same value.

I really love the prayer painting!

Thanks Michele, but I hope you look again. When I opened it, I couldn't believe how distorted her face was.

I reloaded new images. Hopefully you'll look again, you might need to refresh the page.

Still gorgeous!

Elizabeth, this prayer painting is just wonderful! Your very best portrait yet! (At least of those I have seen!)

You should feel great!

Wow Elizabeth, I am blown away by the prayer painting.

I haven't been following this too closely, so when I saw the finished piece I first thought it was a reference portrait of an accomplished artist. Congratulations, I would send this to every portrait competition - it looks like a winner!

Elizabeth, I think your prayer painting is just lovely! I like them all, but especially like that one. The hits just keep on coming!

How do you start your paintings, Elizabeth? Do you just pretty much eyeball it and paint, or do you do a drawing first and transfer it? What methods are your favorites?

True art...
 

Elizabeth, your prayer painting captures that essence of art we all hope to exude in our paintings. I have many models available and we sketch alot of them, however, when the model, the setting, the "look", all fits together there is a oneness that makes the entire painting come together. It also generates responses like the ones you have here. Somehow, I don't think you will hear the end of it very soon.

Excellent piece.

Congratulations Beth
 

Beth,

The Prayer painting has feeling, drama, and the color is beautiful. The best eyes yet! I wish I could see it in person!

Do you think you could bring it to our workshop in Greensboro. I am looking so forward to meeting you and swapping tips!


Again, a great job,

Denise

Lovely, gorgeous!
 

Beth,

Thank God you posted these new pictures. The others were so pasty, I was beginning to wonder what Bill Whitaker's pallette was and avoid it. They were really dreadful so I thought I would slink away from this post! This really is beautiful, and I like the sparkles. You really are zooming along! I love the shadow from the veil, that is very hard to make work.

I do have some teeny tiny comments as you said you were interested. I would soften her forehead a bit. The cheek to our right down to the neck needs simplifying, soften that area a bit. I leave out things sometimes that are not necessary to define the form, ex. some neck wrinkles etc.. That is called editing. The cheek could use a bit more pink. I always over-rouge my models, and somehow it works in a painting. Stuart always did that and I think he did the most amazing skintones of any portrait painter. You cannot believe how rich and translucent his faces are. Plus he was a Rhode Islander!

Sincerely,

Thank you all so much! I promise I will address all questions and concerns.

Sharon, I'll need to think about how to soften her forehead; all of my daughters have their father's rather large one!

Now I need to clarify in case some lookers glance quickly through this post; I don't want Bill to smack my knuckles with his malh stick - so let me reiterate. Bill said this was one of my best skin tones (not saying there was not room for a ton of improvement to be made) and that all work, as it improves, should never be less than this. He is an awesome teacher!

Plus, (Marvin will may kill me or get out his black hat depending on what he thinks of this), it was his colors that made it click for me. So I am glad you realized it was the first posted digital image that looked really sub-par! :)

I really love taking this journey with all of you! :sunnysmil

Good Grief!
 

Beth,

I was referring to an earlier post of this, this is a different one isn't it? The skintones were entirely different and quite, let us say, pinky grey. I don't want anyone to think I am castigating Bill's palette! Good Heavens!

Just a note, I was cleaning my studio today, actually I had lost a negative and after hours of searching I came to the conclusion that a complete cleaning was in order and the only option. I came across a photo of a piece I did about 8 years ago. Generally I destroy most of the evidence of my incompetence, but I had missed this gem. All I can say is take heart! Just keep at it. I would post this horror but I nearly died when I saw it and I am a complete coward.

I just meant to soften the edge, do not change the shape.

Sincerely,

Sharon and Beth,

I might have eroneously moved Sharon's post here; if so my apologies. I think Beth may have replaced the older image.

Higher and Higher
 

Macbeth (I love that),

I'm so glad you were able to create your most successful painting to date and I'm flattered that my flesh palette contributed in some small way. I think when you actually see the way I set it up and how it is used you will be able to take it much further still, making the color even more lifelike and naturalistic.

The beautiful work and the wonderful progress that my students are making is a tremendous source of satisfaction for me.

Painting is difficult enough without having to negotiate through complex and unweildy color arrangements. I think that after you experience my workshop in Greensboro, which is completely filled BTW, you will understand the context behind the palette and hopefully soar to even greater heights. Look out Pino!

Oh my goodness... I might need a Depends! Marvin liked it! HOORAY! :)

But I did make some changes based on comments of Sharon and Michele.

So here is the new and improved, it actually looks more like Amanda, especially in the nose.

I hope I haven't messed it up, I know it is another major learning on when to stop.

I forgot to mention, I'm glad you noticed my graphic business name Marvin, you know us Mac addicts!

Here is the close-up:

Way to go, Beth! You did a great job on this painting.

Dear Beth,

I hadn't seen your work in a long time and I was so delighted to see this wonderful piece. You should be very proud of this painting. Nice job! I look forward to meeting you at Bill Whitaker's workshop, Beth.

Best regards,
Linda

Very, very nice, Beth! The skin tones are handled beautifully and I'll bet Amanda is just thrilled to see herself depicted so dramatically and effectively.

Beth,

I was just admiring your painting again when I noticed a itsy bitsy correcton requirement. The highlight on the nose seems one continuous line.

The highlight that hits the bridge of the nose should get interrupted by the fleshy bulb of the nose which catches its own separate highlight.

Just something to remember in the future. I am eager to see your next work, especially the ones from your future workshops.

Beth, you are making great strides! Well done! :)

Great Beth
 

I love your work Beth. This portrait is wonderful.

I use digitals for all my works now and have actual photo prints made from the digital images. I haven't had a problem with quality.....yet ;)