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