Three from open figure sessions
 

These are cropped from figure paintings done in about 1 hour each. The original paintings are full figure nudes, done rather small. Two are 12" x 9", the other 16" x 12". The heads are about 1-2".

These were done during the last hour of open figure drawing sessions. That is why they are nudes. So I posted them cropped.

#2

#3

Michael, how do you paint the heads so small? Do you use a 00 or 0 brush? I find it so difficult to render features at this size with anything except a pen or pencil.

Did you pick your canvas size based on the mobility of attending an open studio?

No 00 brushes; the smallest brush was #4 sable.

I paint the small area and then paint the larger area up to it. If you have 2 large shapes with a small gap between, it forms a thin line or small shape between. I do not even own any brushes smaller then #2 flat.

Yes, the size was for mobility, frugality and time. Smaller canvas is easier to carry, cost less, uses less paint and I find I just can not cover a large canvas in a hour. Some times these are complete failures as paintings. Even these I posted, I am not sure why I show them. I always look at these after and wonder what I was doing. :)

But it is always time well spent in observation. The biggest frustration about open figure sessions is I have to have control of the pose and lighting or I am frustrated the entire time. And I can't always have that control since there are several others attending the same session.

1-2-3
 

Inspirational!

If I may comment:

#1 Warm, and inviting study. Sitter's left muzzle area not convincing.

#2 Delicate. A tad too much grey in the normally warm central areas of face.

#3 Perfection!