Portrait of Aubree

[Chantal Sulkow]

I've been following the painting from life section enthusiastically and I am finally posting! This is an oil portrait of a close friend that I painted wet-in-wet,from life, in a workshop situation- it's 12" x 14" and I spent 5 consecutive days of 5 hours each. Throught the week I kept the paint wet with clove oil, keeping most parts workable at all times. My greatest regret is that I was unable to finish her shirt- I wanted to concentrate on her face and spent most of my time there. Part of the difficulty in painting from life is handling the time restraints, unlike working from a photograph, which never leaves.

(The image here is a scan of a c-print and the glare in the upper left corner is unfortunately part of the print.)

I had painted Aubree several times before and this was the first time I felt I had really captured her likeness- she has the most unusual eyes, which made her a fascinating subject. Combined with her fair "peaches and cream" complexion, she often reminds me of a Lawrence painting!

[Mari DeRuntz]

Quiet, beautiful and strong.

I am reminded of what Allan Banks said during a recent workshop: shadows are quiet and soft. There are many passages in this painting that I will return to for inspiration.

You've done a beautiful job modeling form, and I love how you've handled your edges.

I look forward to seeing more of your work.

[Chris Saper]

Chantal,

What a beautiful, solid piece!

You have really done a beautiful job managing the focal point, supported with well executed edges, planes and color transitions. Could you post details of the eyes and shadow under the nose?

Also did you take any in-process photos?

[Denise Hall]

Chantal,

I am so glad you posted this beautiful portrait. Mari has said it all - quiet shadows, edges, and the color is so harmonious. Her skin is glowing and I'm sure your friend is in awe of this beautiful work of art.


It is inspiring.


Congratulations on a great life study.

[Chantal Sulkow]

Thank you, Chris and Denise!

Here is a detail of Aubree's eyes and nose. Unfortunately, I have no in-process photos from the work I did on this- in fact, I have never taken in-process photos! Also, this particular painting was very much part of a learning/workshop experience and at the time, I had no idea where it would end up.

Recently, I have begun scanning my preliminary drawings before I lay the paint down- that is, when my drawing is executed with dry media such as a pastel pencil, which is one of my favorite tools for starting the process. When I do a brush drawing, if the paint dries before the next stage, I also try for a scan. I like the idea of saving the drawing in case I don't like the way things work out and I want to back track and begin again- if I was happy with my original drawing, I don't have to re-do that step.

I am also researching trading in my traditional camera for a digital, which would make things much easier for me in that respect. I think it would actually be instructive for me to look back and examine the way I work. Like looking at one's work in a mirror (something I always conveniently forget to do!), this is something that seems helpful in constructive self-criticism!

[Timothy C. Tyler]

Lovely fine work.