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Marvin Mattelson · 11-20-2002, 10:31 AM

Thanks for the compliments.

The size of the canvas is 11" x 14." The actual painting time was probably about 15 to 20 hours. A lot of time was spent restating the painting in wet paint and then building it up from there. This is the problem with painting one session per week. There was also a lot of haggling over the model's position, so minor alterations were continuously being implemented.

When I paint from life I do my drawing directly on the canvas with a neutral complexion color slightly darker than the value of my toned canvas, a very light wash of raw umber and thinner. I keep my drawing pretty broad and add refinement as the painting evolves. I don't do a detailed drawing or separate value study for a cameo portrait such as this. I would however do more preparatory studies for a more complex composition.

Unfortunately I haven't had a client that would avail themselves completely and allow me to do an entire portrait from life, so I must content myself to working from photos with some additional life sittings at this point in time.

My goal is to work entirely from life, live in a castle overlooking the ocean, and be loved by all. I

11-20-2002, 10:31 AM	#5
Marvin Mattelson SOG Member FT Professional '04 Merit Award PSA '04 Best Portfolio PSA '03 Honors Artists Magazine '01 Second Prize ASOPA Perm. Collection- Ntl. Portrait Gallery Perm. Collection- Met Leads Workshops Joined: May 2002 Location: Great Neck, NY Posts: 1,093	Size doesn't matter Thanks for the compliments. The size of the canvas is 11" x 14." The actual painting time was probably about 15 to 20 hours. A lot of time was spent restating the painting in wet paint and then building it up from there. This is the problem with painting one session per week. There was also a lot of haggling over the model's position, so minor alterations were continuously being implemented. When I paint from life I do my drawing directly on the canvas with a neutral complexion color slightly darker than the value of my toned canvas, a very light wash of raw umber and thinner. I keep my drawing pretty broad and add refinement as the painting evolves. I don't do a detailed drawing or separate value study for a cameo portrait such as this. I would however do more preparatory studies for a more complex composition. Unfortunately I haven't had a client that would avail themselves completely and allow me to do an entire portrait from life, so I must content myself to working from photos with some additional life sittings at this point in time. My goal is to work entirely from life, live in a castle overlooking the ocean, and be loved by all. I __________________ Marvin Mattelson http://www.fineartportrait.com [email protected]