Glazing

This is an 11 x 14 oil from a black 'n white photo of my grandmother when she was 16ish. I have misplaced the photo; if I find it I will add it to this posting.

I am a beginner and this is my third or fourth painting. The first image was done using French Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Umber and Titanium White. The hints of color were dry brushed on after the underpaint dried. I abandoned the painting several months ago because I wasn't happy with the outcome. I'm not sure how to explain what I expected, but this was not it.

My mother, who is also a painter, renewed my interest in it when she introduced me the glazing technique that is often discussed here; she introduced me to this web site as well. However, she is only a few weeks older to the technique than me and she broke down with a frustrated, "I'm trying to learn this too . . . stop asking me!"

So here I am with my very first posting and a request for help.

What I don't like most is her hair and his jacket. The overall look of the painting seems to have a cartoonish quality. I'm sure it's in the color choices, but I'm not sure how to correct it. I do like her shoe, her pants and his pants.

Thanks, K

This is the second layer of glazing.

[Mike McCarty]

I think this is a nice portrait, interesting perspective. The first thing I would do is put out a search party for the photo. Even a black and white photo will have all the value information that you will need. This could have been interesting without the color.

[Peter Jochems]

Hi Kimberly,

Glazing is discussed before here, maybe it's useful to you to read this thread:
http://forum.portraitartist.com/show...hlight=glazing
I have ruined some nice underpaintings a few times by trying to use glazing-techniques.

Greetings,
Peter