Jean,
When Dolly first turned that million watt smile on me, I went straight to heaven for a time. She still can turn a room full of nearly dead people into a merry celebration of life simply by walking in and smiling. People who know her well would never notice that in the painting her teeth are overly bright. They are accustomed to this phenomenon.
Only since I've started painting people did I realize that white teeth aren't white. Even Dolly's. And I do wish to be true to the laws of physics and light even when painting people who appear to be exempt from them.
After you pointed this out, I converted my reference to grayscale and found the brightest spot on those radiant chicklets is (I couldn't believe it myself) 40% black.
So you are absolutely right, and of course I do not take offense. The hope of receiving suggestions like yours is what motivates me to post.
Thank you!
Lon,
What a wonderful idea! I will implement your suggestion of flattery and I'm betting I will receive a payoff I can't write about here.
As I mentioned earlier, I've done several watercolors from this sketch, for practice purposes. Have even tried getting looser and quicker to avoid overworking, and to achieve a more traditional watercolor look.
But that effortless watercolor effect
Jim Riley sometimes posts is more elusive than it appears.
As to my bravery, I have never made half-hearted attempts at anything. But painting portraits is possibly my most ambitious endeavor to date and it has yet to be seen if I'm up to the challenge.
How about posting one of those watercolors, since there is so little WC portraiture for those of us interested in the medium?
Thanks for taking the time,