By the fireplace
 

My daughter Camilla - again !

This is a study of the head for a larger painting. Since I work from a reference that is blurred I felt like I should try it out first to see if there was enough information.

Oil on linen 50 cm X 40 cm

Allan

Allan,

If I could make a head study look this good I would try to find a way to convince the client that it is finished piece. But if you DO decide to do the definitive piece, I can't wait to see THAT.

Your technique comes across as very relaxed, not overworked at all; makes it look like you paint with such ease and confidence--with great "soltura", as it is said here. Very well done.

P.S.

I really like the way the fireplace light is reflected in her hair; the little highlights in her lower lip and the far eye -- all little details that give the whole that x-factor we all look for. Once again: very nice.

Carlos

Oh Alan-- I really like this! How you handled the light on her face/hair... the glint on the necklace. It has such a rich atmosphere to it. I think this is my favorite so far of your daughter series!

Allan beautiful job, very fresh - reminiscent of Sargent.

Carlos,
Thank you for your kind remarks on this study.

I do consider it a finished portrait, but started it to solve some light problems. Hope that I can make it work in the larger painting. We

Thank you Terri.

This study is related to a painting in progress and the motive is actually inspired by one of your later paintings, guess which?

Allan

Thanks David,

I shall not deny that I admire Sargent and Zorn, but I try to not feel obliqued to paint like them. As if I could ;)

Allan

Beautiful daughter ;) I especially like the way you painted her hair. Can't wait to see the final painting.

Hi Allan,

I'll never get tried of looking at paintings of your daughters. They have all been lovely. I'm looking forward to the large scale version.

Jean

Hi Allan,

I very much like the temperature shifts you have used throughout this painting. The warm yellows definitely give the sense of both the firelight's color, and angle.

Allan, I really like this. How do you get your daughter to pose so often? Your lucky to have her!

Allan,
Lovely lighting, very believable, I can feel the warmth of the fire. And I like her expression, thought-provoking. Very very nice.
Patty

Hi Allan,

You've done a wonderful job here (especially with the blonde hair) and that warm background carries a strong emotional appeal. Will you be letting us watch the larger painting as it progresses? I hope so.

Virginia and Jean,
Thank you for your kind words. I am pleased to have Camilla around and she like the idea of me producing free pictures for her future home of her own, I guess ;)

Allan

Thank you Chris,

The firelight theme came up as a result of the circumstances.
I wanted to take some photos by her, before she went abroad for two months. That last chance culminated in a photo session with bad light getting even worse as it started to rain. I took some shuts using a halogen light in the room to fill the deep shadows. And one of these were used for the painting.
The out door light, coming in from a large window is the cold light in the hair and the halogen act as the fireplace.

I liked the composition and the overall light, but the reference was not very sharp due to the bad conditions and no tripod.

I had to emphasize many details to get character in the painting. But I will take some additional shuts of Camilla, now that she is back. Hope that I can finish the main project in that way.

Allan

Hi Kim,

Yes I have a free model, that takes the paintings--- for free. :sunnysmil

Allan

Patty,

Thank you for your kind words.

Allan

Linda,
Thanks for your encouragement.
Right now I feel that I have a lot of work to do to finish off the painting. I took some shuts earlier in the process, but am not sure of the quality.

On a second thought, I may need help, so OK.

Allan