Rose petals

Elizabeth Schott · 11-25-2002, 07:09 PM

This oil is 20" x 16" on canvas. I am sorry I do not have the reference scanned into my system, so cannot post it at this time.

I am trying to concentrate on skin tones with oils. I find this very different from pastel and have been researching a number of palettes, so I unfortunately have changed this too many times to be able to pin down the actual colors used.

Please note this is in progress. The hair and lace do not need comment at this point, unless you see a concern.

Thank you for your input.

Elizabeth Schott · 11-25-2002, 07:12 PM

This is the detail.

I am using the kid

Enzie Shahmiri · 11-25-2002, 09:55 PM

Elizabeth,

I checked out your web design and it looked very nice and professional. You surely have been a busy lady!

In regards to your latest work, without the reference photo it is difficult to comment.

I would like to see more differentiation in the pupil area. The scan shows it as a dark area, equal to the eyelashes.

I can

Elizabeth Schott · 11-25-2002, 11:17 PM

Thanks, Enzie,

I do have that veil flowing to the right of her. I have posted the reference photo. It is not the best for lighting, since there is so much reflected light from the white dress, so it is hard to determine.

I think my biggest problem is dropping her left shoulder and slimming down the left hand. I will watch the leg position, too. As you can see from the reference, her eyes are actually darker than I have made them, they are a lot of lashes, but some pupil, that I tried to play up. Can I get away with accentuating this even more?

What of her skin tone? Do you have any thoughts there?

Enzie Shahmiri · 11-26-2002, 12:11 AM

I don

Lon Haverly · 11-26-2002, 02:33 AM

This looks like a fun project.

I have found that alizarin crimson can help tone down gold hair. It is a little hot. That is what stood out to me first.

Enzie Shahmiri · 11-26-2002, 02:35 AM

Beth,

My search for dealing with shadows for "Samantha" made me look in my bookshelf. Guess what I found! A wonderful book entitled Painting Children's Portraits in Pastel by Wende Caporale. I had to share this with you. Her work in pastels is beautiful. She not only leads you through several demos but even gives several examples on different lighting situations during photo shoots, to show how the light changes the outcome on the same pose/model.

I tell you I am getting old and definitely very forgetful. According to the invoice, I've had this book since December last year and somehow totally forgot about it.

Elizabeth Schott · 11-26-2002, 10:10 AM

Thanks, Lon and Enzie,

Lon, I appreciate the tip about the alizarin crimson, I was ready to go to war with just my titanium white and ochre plus some green today!

Enzie, I do own Wende's book, but I will be honest

Gina Rath · 11-27-2002, 09:11 PM

Beth,

This little girl is sweet, but the transparent dress would seem difficult to tackle. You're braver than I.

I am just going to mention a couple of things that jump out at me (noting that I am not a pro). The purple background seems a little bright (intense) to me, taking away the importance of the figure. Also, the highlight on the left side of her face is a little too bright (or maybe too white) in color, which seems to flatten out her face. I like the skin color you have on her shoulder. Maybe you could bring some of that color into her face.

Now this is just my inexperienced opinion, you may want to wait for a professional critique before making any changes.

Good luck and keep on painting!

Gina

Elizabeth Schott · 11-29-2002, 12:32 AM

I wanted to post the progress, which has included your helpful comments above. Thank you.