Halle

Karin Wells · 03-22-2002, 10:52 PM

Oil on Linen 24" x 20"

Karin Wells · 03-22-2002, 10:55 PM

Detail

Jim Riley · 03-23-2002, 12:02 AM

AAAhhh Yes! You've done it again!!!

I like the way you posed the young lady with the lower body facing out the canvas to our right and the head and arms countering/balancing to the left and the rest is classic Wells Classic.

Cynthia Daniel · 03-23-2002, 08:49 PM

This is beautiful Karin! I see your deft hand in the composition...love the blue dress with her blue eyes, the lighting, the delicate, elegant, yet slightly whimsical touch of the lilies.

Mike McCarty · 03-23-2002, 09:24 PM

Yikes! I love all the little extras that you include to make up the composition. They are quiet yet very present. Would you give your thoughts on your decision to leave the generous space above the head. I tend to crop everything down to to the last inch. It looks sooo nice.

Karin Wells · 03-24-2002, 08:08 AM

I can't really justify the increasing volume of space I now leave around my sitters as it is entirely based on my gut instinct...

But here's what I think it might be... As I paint the person I'm painting becomes "real" to me and just as in real life, I am aware of and don't invade someone's "personal space."

A couple of years ago, I was working on a portrait and was uncomfortable with it but didn't know why. I couldn't "finish" it. It happened about that time that I attended a party. A very friendly fellow insisted on chatting with me "right in my face"...in fact, he backed me across the room and into a wall (seriously)

Anyhow, when I got back to the studio, I realized that I had done the same thing in my portrait. I repainted it with a LOT more space and felt much better about it.

(Also, I don't know if you can see it on your monitor, but there is a name lettered above her head....)

Mike McCarty · 03-24-2002, 01:22 PM

Thanks Karin, I can't see the lettering on my monitor.

Karin Wells · 03-24-2002, 02:52 PM

If you're curious....here's what it looks like and it is aprox. 1/2" high.

Mark Gil · 03-24-2002, 11:03 PM

Karin, this is beautiful. It looks like there is light behind the canvas! Great job, down to the red-orange reflection under the chin line, excellent touch.

Virginia Branch · 03-28-2002, 10:55 AM

This is a lovely painting. I like the way you made her right eye (viewer's right) slightly darker than the left as it is going into shadow. I especially like the way you handled her mouth as well - mouths are tricky sometimes. Your client must be very pleased.

Did you use the new paints on this portrait?