Christine
 

I have begun scheduling open studio sessions in my studio ( I'm the only painter) in tuning up for a live demo I will give this May at the Portrait Society of America meeting in Dallas.

In the past number of years - actually since I began studying with Bill Whitaker, I find that my paintings take about twice the amount of time that they used to take. I think they are better, but they are slower. It so so difficult for me to get to the few community open studios that I invite sitters to come to me. They bring a toned canvas and they go home with it. No guarantees, in fact the only guarantee is that the painting will end up a quick sketch, and most likely unsuitable as a commission piece.

In two -three hours, I have barely enough time to plot out the beginnings of a likeness, let alone a full painting. OR I have time to develop the skin tones and color harmonies, but not the kind of likeness I'd like. Sigh.

My students come to sit, and I already adore them, so it's nice to have the interaction. I set up a viewing mirror so they can watch as I work.

This is Christine 20 x 16. Christine is not only an excellent draftsman, but a beautiful model and lovely person. The likeness is weak but we still had fun. Well, I had fun because I was doing the coloring. :)

Christine, this is a lot in one session anyway. I don't know about likeness, but the structure is perfect and the colours are already there.

Personally I found that when I work very fast, just because things sometimes fall into place more easily, then it takes me double the time when I have to reassess my work!

Many compliments, I wish I could some time join these demo. Through the forum I feel so close to the news and events over there!
Ilaria

Chris, good for you - I think you should keep practicing since I will be at the PSA conference for the first time and I do expect perfection. I just sent off my registration and am excited to be attending. No pressure or anything. ;)

Im so envious of your live model times! I think it looks great. Bill slowed me way down as well.

Congratulations! I hope to see you there.

This will be a not-to-be-missed event, Chris! Congratulations! (and thanks for posting this lovely head and shoulders, too).

Chris, I think that is a beautiful start of a portrait! The colors are vibrant. and the greens in the eyes look great corresponding to the background. Are you going to do another session? . . .

Thank you all very much.

Molly, No, just one session per victim. I'd really like to pick up my pace a bit in preparation for the demo, and a big part of that is deciding how much time of the 2 - hour session to commit to the drawing part before using color. It's always worked out best for me to spend a LOT of drawing time in the beginning.

Michele, Linda and Kim - thanks, I am pretty excited about the demo :).

Beautiful job, Chris. I look forward to seeing you again, in Dallas. And watching your demo.

Yay, Chris! This is beautiful spontaneous art. And I am SO glad the PSA asked you to give a live demo. Very smart of them indeed!

You go girl!

Alex

Again Chris, this is unmistakebly yours. I would love to see you demo but again won't make it. So, someone take a lot of photos please for us homebound members!

Jean