Monochrome
 

I haven't been around the forum much as life has been hectic nearly to the point of frantic, but good. ;)

Here is a portrait I did yesterday. I've been studying with Marvin Mattelson since last September and this is done using the "wash-in" technique, raw umber only on oil primed linen - life sized. I haven't decided yet if I will continue on this in color next week, or do another wash-in for practice. We will have the model in this pose for six sessions.

Molly! Nice to see your post! This is really well-done, The values are clear, and I love that head scarf (or drape or whatever) as a design element, the way it nudges into the lower right-hand corner.

How are your studies with Marvin going?

Thanks, Alex!
 

The class is going very well, indeed. It's quite a hike for me, 6 hours round trip by car! I listen to lots of books on tape . . . I thoroughly enjoy the pace of the class, the six week long poses and the many interesting students, some of whom have been with Marvin for several years. He conducts classes on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and mine is the Saturday class, which is filled mainly by people with "day jobs". ;)

Marvin is a wonderful teacher. Always encouraging and positive while offering constructive criticism. I would certainly recommend his classes or workshops to anyone who is considering it.

Ah Molly, I am so envious! I wish I could join you and be able to drive to his workshops, rather than sit in a plane for 5 hours. Please say hello for me and tell him I am playing Lotto each week and 'am trying my best to make it to his Summer workshop! :)

You should develop the underpainting and start using his palette. His is a fool proof way of painting and if followed step by step, you will soon notice how fast you are able to render beautiful skin tones.

Molly,

So far so good. You will be amazed at how this will fast forward your painting career. I am so happy to see this.

Marvin is a wonderful and knowledgeable teacher.

Thank you, Enzie and Sharon!
 

I am very much enjoying my student experience. I spent several classes last semester using Marvin's color palette and found it to be very simple and straightforward. I felt I had a pretty good handle on the flesh tones and so this term, I have been concentrating on my drawing skills, moving from a dependency on measurement to working by eye. I have learned so much! Of course, now I have a plethora of these underpaintings in my home!

Thanks so much for your comments and encouragements!

Molly,
This is beautiful. I am jealous too.

Enzie
You may want to attend his summer workshop in Atlanta because, drum roll, I am going to be one of the models!! Anything to siphon more of Marvin's wisdom! Can you take on the challenge of painting an aging redhead? I don't know, if I want Marvin painting me, or just his students, he will be painfully realistic!! And, how will I keep a straight face, with his humor?!!!