Betsy, Shawn, and Angel in acrylic

Jean Kelly · 09-23-2002, 06:25 PM

This is a work in progress. Size 30" x 40", and my most ambitious to date. Since much is in shadow, I'm struggling to maintain the same tone in all three faces. Normally I never use black in a face but did here, and am now trying to work over it. Any suggestions would be welcome.

Jean Kelly · 09-24-2002, 11:39 AM

Closer image of faces.

Jean Kelly · 09-24-2002, 11:48 AM

Closer still. The mother's face is the one I'm struggling with. After posting the full image last night I lightened it more. My reference photo is quite dark so is not much help. Again I've fallen in love with a pose, and sacrificed adequate lighting. But this WILL be saved.

Carolyn Ortiz · 09-24-2002, 06:44 PM

Wish I had some suggestions to give but I don't really work with acrylics. You'll save it! Although I don't think it's that desperate for revival.

It's really looking great!

Steven Sweeney · 09-24-2002, 07:38 PM

Well, Jean, you needn

Jean Kelly · 09-24-2002, 09:04 PM

Carolyn, again thank you for your kind words. Do you have any other work posted than your artist from Belgium? I'd like to see more, please point me in the right direction.

Now Steven, You're right about the black, I've been kicking myself since I did it. I'll go with your suggestion and keep lightening with the deep red tones until it works again. I was thinking of adding purple reflections or maybe just wrap her hair around her lower face!!! Her nose--I put some paint there that I shouldn't have. I'll be fixing it, definately b/4 she sees it! She looks like a retired boxer.

I have more work to do on her eyes (baby Angel). I always save them for last, kinda dessert. Thanks for the tip about highlights, I'll tone them down. On Mom's lower legs--they're only blocked in at this point, no real shading to add depth. I'll keep your point in mind when I get there (probably tonight). Do you have any work posted here outside of your son's portrait? If not- why are YOU so reticent??? And last, I sincerely appreciate the critique and compliments. Thank you.

Steven Sweeney · 09-24-2002, 09:44 PM

In this particular context I want to say how much more interesting and engaging the critique process is when I get to see work "in progress," so thank you for the early look. If I know that the artist has posted work she considers "finished", it's much more difficult to objectively and usefully make suggestions.

Cheers

Jean Kelly · 09-25-2002, 04:20 PM

Steven,

Am taking a break from this very frightening addition of "cool" tones to Mom, Dad, and the kid. What a remarkable difference. This paint is very unforgiving when it comes to black, so most of my time has been spent experimenting with different ways to get RID of it. Finally think I've found the magic combination. Will post an update tonight.

Found your self portrait, you are one serious dude. How about another one with Taiwanese influence?

Jean Kelly · 09-26-2002, 01:10 PM

After putting too much purple in Mom's face and making her look "dirty", I gave up last night and almost ditched the whole thing. I woke up this morning and gave it another try. I read and looked at other artists work till the wee hours. Way back when I was in school, the emphasis was on "do your own thing". I didn"t realize that there were rules to portraiture. My figures at that time were twisted nudes in blues and greys. My "Picasso blue" period.

Here's an update:

Carolyn Ortiz · 09-28-2002, 05:13 PM

Hi Jean,

The nose looks much better! There's still a lot of contrast in her facial area, but you know, I like it! I think it's refreshing to see different styles, and you have a unique style that is very crisp and I think lends itself well to the value scale. I hope you're not getting too crazy trying to rework that area, it's a great piece!