Ok...I'll take the plunge too
 

George's recent introduction gave me the courage to introduce myself as well, so here goes...My name is Marsha Piper & live in Broomfield, CO. I've been seriously painting for 3 years, the first just floundering and the last two years studying with Joshua Fallik at the Denver Art Students League "Recreating Rembrandt's Workshop". I found SOG awhile back - love this site and all the talented artists, their work and most of all their generosity of knowledge and experience.


Most of my work is Still Life but portraits are my love. Don't have a recent photo of me, so am including my first attempt - my husband Steve and the two submissions for SOG that I completed from models in my class earlier this year. I do think I've inproved, but have much to learn! I've found the only way to improve is to paint, paint, paint! So back to my easel. Thank you for looking and comments are always welcomed.

Hi Marsha,

Welcome to the forum.

Three years is about just started !

I like your soft lights and the painterly approach. You will get far if you take some of the learning offered here.

Allan Rahbek, Denmark

Marsha,

If you were referring to me as an encouragement to take the plunge, let me tell you, you are way ahead of me. Your posted portraits are great. I just finished two, but I do not think they're good enough to show here, and after seeing yours, I know why.
I especially like your use of color. Hope to see more soon.

George

Hi Marsha and welcome. I like the classical style you have portrayed with the two models. It looks like you had fun painting them. The girl with flowers in her hair reminds me of Royo .

See you on the forum,

Holly

Welcome Marsha!

The women's paintings are lovely especially the floral one. Paint what you love and you will improve even faster!

Thank you All for your kind words and encouragement!

I do love my husband...and he must love me for being my first sitter! I only showed him so you'd get an idea of the strides I've made. After looking again at my introduction post, I hang my head at the poor photo quality, as well as, the numerous changes I'd make on all of these paintings...I have so much to learn. However,I have a new one started and will post in WIPand/or Critiques when I'm a little further along. Am trying the "Inner Glow" panel by Bill Ewing but now want to try ABS that I've been reading about here. Has anyone else tried the 'inner glow' for portraits? Do you still prefer ABS? Gosh, if I'm not careful I'll spend all my time here!

No, but it sounds interesting, can you link a site for this?

I use a lot of ABS, ao email me if you have questions about it other than what advice you see on the Forum.

Welcome to the Forum! I really like the intensity in your work.

Thanks so much, Linda! I stand in awe of your work...such love and understanding of your craft and the heart of each sitter shows in each painting I've seen.


Don't quite know how to link things yet, so will just type it here and see if it's automatic. http://www.BillEwing.com His site shows his extraordinary portraits and info/prices etc on the panels that he produces. They are all 1/2" thick: 3 layers of Douglas fir with mahogany sheets on both sides, sanded smooth etc...all info at his site. Please let me know what you think.