Formal, the "little" oil

Elizabeth Schott · 03-10-2003, 07:13 PM

This is my first attempt working very small with a portrait figure. It turned out to be more fun than I expected.

Oil on linen, 9 x 12.

Newest image posted 10-31-03

Elizabeth Schott · 03-10-2003, 07:15 PM

This is a really enlarged close-up!

Michael Georges · 03-10-2003, 07:21 PM

Beth:

I really like this! Great balance of values and well done for so small.

Cynthia Yelverton · 03-11-2003, 09:56 AM

I love it! Let us see how you frame it! What does your daughter think?

Elizabeth Schott · 03-14-2003, 12:28 AM

Thank you both!

Cynthia, any ideas on frames would be appreciated. I am used to mattes & glass with pastels.

Jeff Fuchs · 03-14-2003, 03:35 PM

Beth,

I told you I was going to ctitique your painting, but I forgot it was posted here in the Unveilings section.

If it were submitted for ctitique, I might have said that it's very nicely painted, and that your work has shown visible improvement since I started coming to this forum. Your daughter must be delighted.

I would also make a suggestion (if this were a critique). When painting very small, even fairly smooth canvas may have too much texture for the scale of the image. You might want to gesso the canvas, then sand it smooth, or paint on Masonite. I have some small old portraits in my collection. They were painted on wood panels. I imagine that, historically, panels were the standard ground for smaller works.

By the way, I understand that some ateliers require beginning students to work small, as it demands precision. Makes for good practice. In fact, I think I'll follow suit.

Elizabeth Schott · 03-14-2003, 03:50 PM

Thanks Jeff! Great point about the canvas. I usually put at least 2 extra coats on, but for some reason I didn't this time. I must have been thinking small!

I have never tried the Masonite, I think Sharon and Tim were discussing panels, I'll check that out - but I think it was for larger work. This was only my 6 th attempt at oil, so it is all new to me.

Leslie Ficcaglia · 03-14-2003, 04:29 PM

Beth, that's great! She really looks alive, and I like the pose and the hair and the way you rendered the cloth. Her personality seems to come through strongly as well.

I see what Jeff means about the canvas; I prefer to use medium rather than portrait grade because I like the texture, but I never thought about the effect it would have with a smaller painting. Something to keep in mind.

But you're to be congratulated on this one. Aren't oils fun?

Leslie

Enzie Shahmiri · 03-14-2003, 05:10 PM

Beth,

Wonderful to see you moving along so nicely. Hopefully now your daughter will be more likely to pose for you in the future, knowing that you have received such praise for this work.

Elizabeth Schott · 03-19-2003, 02:03 PM

I received some great input on this piece and made the changes suggested. So I didn't know if I should start the thread over or just continue, I hope people look to see the changes, I think they really made a difference.

Thanks all!

new image posted above