Align the portrait
All this time when painting I use my brush differently: at one time using the tip and at another time pushing it flat, depending on the strokes. It's painting and drawing at the same time.
I soften or lift-out where necessary but in no case everywhere. Lots of brushstrokes remain, giving a stronger effect to the work.
Now I have been working around the painting for the second time and try to look at it very critically, and think about what still has to be done. I refuse to render everything I see and try to capture the essence. I add some shadow under the ear with a dash of blue, to show the feeling that the curl hanging over the face is a loose one.
At this stage I see nothing essential to be corrected and decide to stop, in order to prevent myself from fidgeting. I think trying out is a good expression for painting a watercolor.
This is my way of working. Maybe it is not the easiest one but definitely heavenly fascinating.
Very sincere greetings, and I hope you will have a go at it. Don't be afraid, jump in and keep it loose. If it doesn't work the first time, it will the next one.
P.S. The original portrait is 5O x 6O cms, framed and painted on Arches Torchon.
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