From Life

[Natalie Hunsaker]

I've been working really hard to paint more from life and loosen up my brushwork. Both of these portraits took 2 hours each. Here are my lovely models Valerie (first attempt) and Johanna (second attempt:

[Patricia Joyce]

These are two lovely pieces. Very nice work, Natalie. I especially like the second one, your brushwork and the colors are very fresh. Keep posting!

[Natalie Hunsaker]

Thanks Patty! Always nice to hear from you. Is your hand still doing better? I recall you had surgery a while ago.

[Julie Deane]

Natalie,

These are both good, but number two is abolutely stunning! One knows instantly that those flesh tones were painted from life. Wonderful work!

[Natalie Hunsaker]

Thanks, Julie. The second one is my favorite, too--I guess I just needed a little time to warm up! More practice ahead . . .

[Sara Lasso Lopez]

Good work Natalie!

[Leah Purisch]

Natalie, these portraits are beautiful. I love the averted gaze and positioning of the heads as well as the color and brushwork. Do you hire your own live models or ask friends to sit for you?

[Natalie Hunsaker]

Sara--Thank you!
Leah--I asked friends from my local church to pose for me. I also recently got my mother-in-law to pose for me while she visited from Utah. Pretty much anyone who is willing to sit still for 2 hours, I coerce into posing I've found it helps to give them a mirror to look into. That steadies their gaze, in addition to giving them a reference to make sure their expression or position doesn't change.

[Mara Schasteen]

Congratulations on two very well done paintings, Natalie! I agree, number two is a stunner. I'll sit for your sometime if you make me look that pretty

[Natalie Hunsaker]

Any time, Mara! I won't have to work very hard to make you look pretty as long as I stay true to life!