Greg .. first post on SOG

[Bruce Johnson]

Hi all

A few months ago I left ref images behind and started painting portraits from life... This is the second time I have painted Greg from our local portrait group.. The first time I wasn't all that happy... I didn't know what I was doing and didn't get anywhere near finished... I didn't get finished this time either but got a lot further.. the pose time is about 90min in 20 min sessions.. I've borrowed Daniel Greene's video from our local pastel society and watched it over and over.. he makes it all look so easy..

Painted in Rembrandt pastel on mi teinte paper... 22 x 18

Greg had his head tilted slightly more for the actual pose..

[Sharon Knettell]

It is great that you are ditching the photos for now, maybe forever.

I find when I have to resort to them I tighten up.

You have a lot of lively and dancing color in this picture.

Did you tilt the head on purpose from the model.

Also, I would squint more. It helps in seeing the form better and leaving out unnecessary details.

[Michele Rushworth]

Very nice work! Great skintones in particular.

[Alexandra Tyng]

Greg, this is very strong work. I like your use of color. The likeness is excellent; you really captured the essentials of his bone structure and expression.

[Bruce Johnson]

Hi Sharon...Yes I think photos are history now... unless I absolutely can't get away from them with some commission work.. the photo was taken before Greg settled on a pose.. once settled he had his head canted slightly more..thanks for the tip on squinting... this is something I have'nt done before and have to get into the habit of doing

Hi Michele.. thanks for stopping by... Its amazing the different colours you can see in the skin that cameras don't show..wish I had made this move earlier.. my big decision now is whether to commit myself to pastel or oil.. I only have a small portrait set of Rembrandt pastels and would like to buy the full set of Unisons ... not cheap though..

Hi Alexandra... thank you for stopping by.. Greg is actually the model.. I'm Bruce Greg was very happy with the portrait.. he commented that I had stolen his personality ..I am going to set up my own studio and hire my own models...portrait groups are great and a lot of fun.. but they do have limitations..ie there is only one optimum position for the model with the available lighting and if you're not there early you have to take whats left... I also want to try different poses and use costume to depict differents eras and lifestyles. ..Greg is a fabulous model.. he doesn't move an eyelid .. and he's agreed to pose for me .. lifes good.

Bruce Johnson

[Alexandra Tyng]

Originally Posted by Bruce Johnson

Greg is actually the model.. I'm Bruce Bruce Johnson

Sorry, Bruce!!

[Dan Landrie]

Beautiful job Bruce, always better to work from life if you can.

[Thomasin Dewhurst]

Very nice work, Bruce. Great clarity.

[Bruce Johnson]

Hi Dan and Thomasin thanks for stopping by

[Margaret Ferguson]

Hi Bruce, nice to see you over on this forum!

Lovely job with this one, I really like the pose and the skin tones. Looking forward to seeing more of your work.

'Mang'