Parada Woman
 

Here in Scottsdale, we have this parade every February. It happened to slow me down today on my way to the open studio at the Scottsdale Artist's School, which I attend religiously! Our model today was suitable to the occasion. Although she is mature, I think I have over emphasized the age, because she is very archetypical of a breed out here.

The lack of flattery may not make it a good portrait, since it is neither supporting feeding or even acknowledging such a thing in the sitter, but I welcome comments from the pros since I am aspiring to make income with these. ANY help would be appreciated.

12x16 oil on very cheap canvas - 3 hour studio pose.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/i...Veraparada.jpg

:thumbsup: This is fresh and interesting and I really like it. Quite frankly I wouldn't change a thing.

Since I do not know what your model looked like, I cannot comment on how flattering a likeness this really is. If you take a photograph of your subject, you can more easily "tweak" your painting back in the studio if you wish.

Exotic subject (to those of us not lucky enough to be painting in the Southwest), self-assured pose, vibrant color, all instantly reminded me of Harley Brown's work. Given the venue in which you work, you're likely already personally acquainted with him and are aware of his "Harley Brown's Eternal Truths for Every Artist", at pp. 116-117 of which you'll find checklists of over 30 areas to review and reassess when self-analyzing work very similar to this.

Thanks for reminding me of the book; it's fairly new, and I need to remember to re-read it at least a couple of times a year. You note that you are "at the crossroads" of a portrait career, and even Brown tongue-in-cheek's his own history of trials and errors, assuring us that he's saved us years of hard work with his book. I find it pretty hard to argue with him.

Best of luck,
Steven

Thanks for the look
 

Steven!

I DO have a copy loaned to me by a friend sitting under my bed as I type! I immediately see why you thought of Harley. The Southwestern color scheme is the Arizona giveaway. I will pull it out and look at the pages suggested.

I was turned on to his website by Linda Brandon of the forum here. Sadly, I think it sits in limbo since the forum is down and it seems on hold, but the demos there are fun, for those who don't have the book under the bed.

Karin,
As far as the photo goes, I have on occasion taken pictures of the model for when I get home. I never seem to have problems that I keep reference for, only the ones I leave the camera at home!

I love your painting. And I especially love the Harley Brown site, thanks for including it.