Depth

[Lisa Ober]

Good day!

I debated whether this belongs in this section or in Figurative. I decided to post here because it is indeed a portrait. This painting was just for fun. Shame on me for not having any discipline this week for my commissioned work. I needed a break.

This is an oil, 25 X 36 on my own prepared panel. I keep working with my own panels hoping I can find a preparation I like. I'm getting closer but I think I am going to switch to canvas next and see how that works.

Lately my efforts have been in layering my paint on surfaces that are dry underneath which requires some patience. My other effort has been to acquire patience. Little success there I'm afraid to report.

I have noticed the photos don't quite reflect the contrast of the actual painting but darker earth tones are very difficult to color correct in Photoshop. I have posted the full portrait and a few close-ups below.

I appreciate you looking at my effort.

[Claudemir Bonfim]

Very nice Lisa, another great work.

[Marcus Lim]

Very nice color tones on the overall Lisa. But I'm concerned about the alignment of the features, especially the eyes and the nose. Somehow I felt something's amiss...am I right?

[Lacey Lewis]

Hi Lisa!

A very nice portrait you have here... I recognize this man! I like the subtle color shifts that you have. Don't you just love to paint darker skin tones?

You know, I am usually very biased and like to paint mostly women. But you and others on this forum are inspiring me to track down a muscley guy to paint!

[Lisa Ober]

Claudemir, thank you. I would be lying if I said this wasn't a challenge. You're kind to compliment it.

Originally Posted by Marcus Lim

Very nice color tones on the overall Lisa. But i'm concerned about the alignment of the features, especially the eyes and the nose. Somehow i felt something's amiss...am i right?

Thank you, Marcus. No, it isn't wrong. I read this article by Harley Brown the other day which discussed correcting for the slight imperfections in people--whether to do that or not. I think painting them as they are when it is a portrait is okay to do though I admit I sometimes do make changes. It's a tough call.

I will say that I used the sharpen command in Photoshop on this painting and it seems to have lost the way the figure turns in person. The highlight areas seem so flat in the photo and especially on the face. I am going to re-take photos in a few minutes to see if that helps.

Lacey, you have a good eye and you are right. Furthermore, yes, it was a great change to paint the darker skin tone. I love it! At first it was hard to see the subtle changes in tone but I love the change of pace. I rarely paint men either but this one wasn't a bad way to start, eh? Defined muscles are definitely easier to paint. Thansk for commenting.

Off to see if I can get better photos.

Thanks you guys.

[Alexandra Tyng]

Lisa,

This is stunning and powerful! Literally! I love it!

Alex

[Lisa Ober]

Alex, you are so kind. Every time I see anything you write I think about how you would surely be a great person to meet. You have such a positive and friendly way about you. You really pepped me up. Thank you.