The "Russian"
 

I finally have a life portrait to post. This is from the Saints and Sinners series of models put on by a small art loft in SE Seattle. This model is supposed to be a Russian or a Cossack, but I was just interested in his face. He posed for about 3 hours with numerous breaks. In 3 hours the shadows change, even with a lamp on his face. I sketched his face and then painted. It was interesting having to follow the rhythm of his breaks instead of my natural rhythm. I am not sure when in my life 3 hours have passed more quickly. It was rough, for example, when it was break time and I was working on something VERY delicate.

Madelaine,

Great job! I rarely see people attempting watercolor portraits from life. How refreshing. I run into the same problem with the breaks when in a open studio. In my studio I just have the model ask for a break and give me a the option of a few more minutes if I'm working on something critical. Watercolor, at least for me, moves at it's own pace. I can't force it. Kudos

Have you thought about taking a digital camera with you? It may help you get the model back into position better. Having the lighting change on you can be so disruptive to your train of thought. Despite it all you did a very nice job. I love the tones on the hat, it reminds me of a Wyeth.