Lianne

Denise Racine · 05-12-2002, 12:50 PM

Any comments or constructive criticism?

I am on a mission. I am painting one portrait alla prima per day, all summer. The object of this exercise being to try and capture the "essence" of the model as quickly as possible without getting too caught up in details. I know that a side view is not the greatest pose but I was not properly set up in my tiny studio. I just did it for practice but. Thanks!

Kyle Henry · 05-13-2002, 04:59 PM

First, let me say that your mission of painting alla prima every day is one of the biggest steps you can take in improving. I can think of no other way of learning to paint. you will be suprised at how it increases your speed, your eye, and ability to simplify. KUDOS!!!!

The portrait you have is very well done. my only suggestion would be to simplify what you see by squinting, always paint what you see, not what you know (eyes, mouth, etc.)

Also, as far as color goes, try to explore color harmonies as opposed to using local color, all reds in the shirt, all blues in the background, and shades of yellow in the hair. If you use compliments in the respective colors, you will find it pleasing to the eye. (warms with cools, etc.)

Good job! Keep up the good work!

Kyle

Jeanine Jackson · 05-13-2002, 09:09 PM

Wonderful likeness from a single sitting! You are very ambitious to do one a day... Please share more.

Lon Haverly · 05-14-2002, 01:01 AM

You should be very proud of yourself for this one day oil! Don't let yourself start messing with it tomorrow! Just keep on your mission.

Denise Racine · 05-25-2002, 08:26 PM

Kyle,

Ever since you have written, I have been thinking about your advice and applying it to my summer project (one painteing per day). Sometimes it's good to have someone bring you back to basics. Thankyou!

And thanks to everyone else for the encouragement. I feel very fortunate to be a part of this group.

Karin Wells · 05-25-2002, 10:55 PM

Sensational picture. Is it oil? On my screen, it looks like pastel.

One-a-day is ambitious and the very best way I can think of to improve your skills.

AND DON'T FORGET to arrange to have a single source of light on your subject EACH AND EVERY TIME you are painting

Denise Racine · 05-25-2002, 11:23 PM

It was done in oil.

Thanks for the tip on lighting. This portrait was a bit difficult because there was only one light source, but, it was coming from a window, on the model's left hand side.

I did not think this was a good arrangement, even at the time, because it created a flattened effect, somewhat like you get from a flash photo. But, I didn't have much room that day, to arrange things properly. I would have prefered a different angle for the face and the light. Oh well! That is the point of my summer program...Learning something new each day!

Thanks for your comments,

Jim Riley · 05-25-2002, 11:32 PM

I applaud your mission and will look forward to seeing your development over the summer. I will not use the word never but strongly suggest avoidance of yellow (and green?) for blond hair. Try Raw Sienna.