Marvin's technique WIP
 

This is the portrait of Sarah I started over the weekend. With Marvin Mattelson's approach, the first stage is called the wash in which is really a wipe out. First the canvas is oiled with linseed oil. 4" of raw umber is mixed with 50/50 linseed oil and mineral spirits (2 drops) and 1/3 drop of clove oil. The clove oil keeps the paint pliable enough to work for at least six hours. The paint is applied to the canvas in the value of the shadow side and then the portrait is "drawn" on with a paper stump. The light is created by wiping paint off with a cotton rag. As you get into smaller areas, like the white of the eyes you can use a paper stump or a kneaded erasure and the darks can be painted in with a paintbrush.

I apologize for the awful glare and I am not sure I can use this wash-in because it may be too dark. But I think, even at this stage it looks pretty cool, kind of ethereal! Perhaps this will be interesting to some of you who may be thinking of studying with Marvin or taking his workshop in Atlanta in January. Beginning a portrait this way is so easy and so much fun. (Before I started on the canvas I completed several drawings of her to get to know her face as best I could).

I hope the painting progresses well enough for me to want to post more wip images...wish me luck!

Thanks for looking

Beautiful Beginning
 

Congratulations on learning so much already from Marvin! I encourage everyone to take his lessons which are jam-packed with valuable techniques. I had the pleasure of studing with him at the School for Visual Arts in NYC in 2002 and am still grateful for the experience. He will be joining our CSOPA faculty next February for Faces of Winter 2006 and I can't wait to hear what he presents!

Hi Pat,
A successful painting is always from a good start...i can already see the "mystique feeling" from this initial work already! I can't wait to see the successive follow-ups from your work! :thumbsup:

This is NOT FINISHED?
I like this already as is. Can

I agree, it will be a beautiful painting. :)
Thanks for sharing.

btw: how big is it?

bye-

Thanks for the support. Actually, I have decided that I am going to start again as there are a few things bothering me with this and doing it again should be easier. When in Marvin's workshop we did two wash-ins and my second one was much better.

Right now I am busy finishing two commissioned drawings, so hopefully in a few days I can get back to this project.

Thanks again for the positive comments.

Pat,
I am new to this site, and I'm in awe of the talent and skill presented here. This is of particular interest to me, since I am considering Marvin's class in January and would like to have my son attend as well.
Please post your future restart.
Jeannie, where can I learn more about CSOPA?
Thank you,
Sandra

Pat,
By the way, I think you have a lovely beginning.
Sandra

Csopa
 

Dear Sandra:

The place to go to learn all about the Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists is:
www.CSOPA.org