Shoko

Mari DeRuntz · 04-03-2003, 02:35 PM

Shoko Kubota, 20" x 24", oil on canvas, after two sessions.

Sort of screwy "democratic" light situation: Very blue light from overcast day streaming through overhead skylights, coupled with a very warm incandescent spotlight.

Painted in a session with Canadian portrait artist Anita Kersher, in her studio, surrounded with hundreds of paintings, props, a very rich space.

Jeanine Jackson · 04-04-2003, 11:24 AM

Mari:

This is lovely!

It may be the photo, however, I feel overwhelmed by middle values throughout this painting.

Mari DeRuntz · 04-04-2003, 12:51 PM

Hmmm, yes, my battle with values continues.... the challenge was to keep the very bright white kimono from dominating the picture. The face and background were definite middle values, and her hair and the band around her abdomen were the only true darks.

More confusing was the cool overhead skylight light and the directional warm incandescent that a few "dominant" students decided they wanted on the figure. I'd have preferred only the skylight, although that as well is not the most flattering light on the subject. I just don't like the conflicting sources, and definitely felt I had to make a decision which to see, which to ignore.

The great thing about painting in groups from life is you don't choose the lessons; they choose you. The great thing about painting alone is that you get to choose the lessons.

Sharon Knettell · 04-09-2003, 08:55 AM

I know that values are emphasized a lot here but there are other issues equally important, ie. color and design.

This painting works beautifully in both those areas. Whistler did not use a lot of values in his faces or figures but his major paintings were masterpieces of color and design. Ex. Lady in White at the National Gallery.

The pose, the color and the lovely silkiness of the kimono work for me. It is really a very lovely little painting, complete as it is.

Sincerely,

Linda Brandon · 04-09-2003, 11:55 AM

Hi Mari,

I really like the paint handling that is going on in this painting. There's also a quality of what I think Harold Speed called "dither" - a lot of attention to nuance in the pose, especially the hands. Very nice job.

Was she wearing lots of makeup? You have some intense color on her face, at least it seems so on my monitor.

Best regards,
Linda

Elizabeth Schott · 04-09-2003, 09:17 PM

Nice Mari!

How long did the sessions last? I love watching all of your "drawing from life"!