Anna
 

This is the first time i actually just started with a blank canvas and let the paint create the figure. What fun to be free of a line drawing, and just build up paint.

18"x36" oil on linen

Still have of things to do, but you'll get the idea. I'll be working on hair, toes, and anything else that pops out.

Jean

Hi Jean,
It's great to see you around.
I like the energy of your nude painting in autumn colors.
I have a couple of suggestions if you are interested.
The pose looks a bit uncomfortable with the leg's. I would expect that the right leg would rest more obviously on the left and maybe would be bend a little. That would make room for variations in the light and shadows.
Try to not mark the collar bone and the muscles of the neck that much and like vice the folds on the side, or I should say, try to wary the shapes more so that they don't look like rope.

Hi Allan,

I've been doing so many old houses and landscapes lately that I just haven't been around much. It feels really good to do something just for fun.

I was hoping someone would comment on her legs. I used a photo reference (copyright free, for artists) for this painting. Every real human that has agreed to model nude for me has chickened out, so being out here in the woods I had to resort to one of my art books. Her leg was actually even higher and more tense, I lowered it quite a bit already, but really was on the fence about relaxing it all the way down due to the lack of a model. So, I am left with the prospect of using my own legs to see just how the shadows fall. This should be fun (sarcasm)!

I've already toned all those areas down, the collarbones etc. Thank you for the second eyes though..... I always appreciate your comments.

jean

Well, I thank you Sharon for having the guts to be honest. Luckily for me, I have more time in preparing the support than in the actual painting. It was done fast and dirty!

My shoulder injury makes it impossible for me to drive the 2.5 hours to the nearest college, and actually participate in a 3 hour figure class. So I do the best I can. I'm surprised that I got something even resembling a human figure using this technique, but I did have fun. I looked up the book and plan on purchasing it, it looks like a good one.

I get extremely frustrated with myself and these new limitations, I can remember when drawing was effortless and painless. But, since I am not supposed to be able to use my arm much at all (docs gave me a gloomy prediction of maybe 45% recovery), I still consider this a personal victory. And I will continue, until I can paint with the authority I once had. Maybe just slower. :sunnysmil

Again, thank you for your honesty.........a stupid injury is no excuse for bad drawing. I will continue to look for a model, you gave me an idea to try that might work out here in the boonies. I'm surrounded by "primitive" artists, but know one woman who may want to work from life. I'll try to talk her into it.

Jean

Jean,

I cannot believe what a positive difference it made for me, jumping into painting from life.

Years and years ago, I thought working from a photograph was just fine. Fortunately I am near the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Looking at the 17th, 18th and 19th masters disabused me of that idea. I could not understand why their figures were so luminous and fresh compared to mine.

Actually, I find it much easier and faster to paint from life. You will surprise yourself.

Today college students are desperate for money. They would appreciate a nice safe gig like yours!

I'm working on it , Sharon. Steven Sweeney has an extra copy of the book and is sending it to me. Believe me it is much appreciated.

I had some more fun with my Anna before I wiped her out, some google eyes and a big fat butt. Halloween is just around the corner! Now she's just a ghost image on a brand new support, waiting for the next inspiration.

Jean

You're getting good and useful advice on this thread, Jean. I just wanted to pop in and say how nice it is to "see" you on here again. I so admire your drive and determination.

I also wanted to mention that if you give your models a wig and/or tell them they can wear underwear you might get a broader range of applicants to pose nude for you.

Ha! I remember that you have an extensive collection also, Sharon. You are both welcome to come anytime, February is especially nice here. We have a huge fireplace to warm your backsides while I'm painting you!


Seriously, I'm going to slow the nudes down and work on some studies to see if I can improve my eye-hand coordination when dong free hand work. I spoke with my Doc and he has advised me to work slower and more gently, I may never be able to paint with "wild abandon" again. This is probably a good thing................ landscapes are a whole lot easier than nudes. Dogs are too. Here's my Zoe, I wonder how she would look in a corset?

Jean

Zoe looks fabulous just the way she is. I can feel her weight and how fur grows from loose skin. Zoe contacts the floor perfectly and there is no question about the space she occupies.

Your figure, although having some nicely painted passages, doesn't have that solidity.

Painting from life is much easier. Photos decrease the amount of information available (athough they have other uses.)

I'm sorry to hear about your arm injury and I hope you recover perfectly no matter what the doctor tells you. I broke my ulna (?) and was told 80% of patients with that injury are never again able to raise their arm to shoulder level.

I've completely regained mobility and the doctor was impressed enough he wanted to know kind of physical therapy was involved. I told him I painted 5 hours a day. He actually passed that on to his associates.

I hope painting helps you heal as completely.

Thank you Judy, and welcome to the board. Your work has an energy and strength that I admire very much. Thanks also for the words of support, and the story of your own injury. Painting and art can have almost mystical healing properties, the kind that doctors of "science" alone will never understand. I've caught myself commanding the neurons to reconnect, directing the blood flow, and in the darkest moments wanting to cut the damaged tissues out of my body. I believe that without having painting I would have given up long ago (I'm 4.5 years into this, multiple damage to spine, ribcage, scapula and rotator cuff). Today is not my best day so just ignore my whining. I need a "wounded artists" site.

The book came yesterday, a real treat for my eyes! Thank you Steven! So, in my imagination, I will attend a real atelier.

Jean

Thank for the welcome, Jean. I feel a bit shy to post beside all the wonderful painters here, but a forum only works if people participate. Your work is truly lovely and I wish the very best for your continued recovery so you can continue with such wonderful painting.

I certainly don't want to bring this painting back up for comment, but wanted to tell you, Judy, not to feel shy about posting your work here. There are many on this board that only wish to pass on their knowledge to others that are working on becoming better artists. Critiques can sometimes sting, but are a necessary part of progress. Praise is even better. :sunnysmil

Jean

Critique is great, especially when it comes from people who know what they're talking about. I plan to post paintings and spend more time with this forum but right now I have a couple problems: 1) I'm painting lemons. I paint too many different things and right now it is flying lemons. I'm looking at the space between the object and background, but it's still lemons ...

I'm also painting a head from a photo. I hate to do that, but sometimes that's all the sitter wants and they don't have time to sit. It's not something I want to post right now.

I'm also packing to move - house, studio and two barns. When I'm in my new place I hope to have more time for the forum. Packing house is such a bummer! Due to circumstances beyond our control this move it taking place between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I'm just swamped with moving and holiday necessities. I'm thinking of going on strike.

It's a good suggestion, Jean, thank you.

Good luck to you, Judy. Moving is such a traumatic experience. I hope your new home gives you a great studio to work in, and much inspiration.

Jean

Thanks Jean, it is stressful. I can't believe I agreed to this :bewildere what was I thinking!

My studio will be bigger with better light if I ever get there .

But I'm not complaining! I know this too will pass.