Lucky shot

Ilaria Rosselli Del Turco · 06-26-2005, 12:22 PM

The other day it was very hot here in London and I did not feel like painting, but in the afternoon I felt a pang of guilt and started this commission long overdue.

This is the third of three brothers, the other two I painted about ten years ago (can't look at those paintings now without blushing for shame), and I kept putting off this third one as I thought somehow I had to match it with those two misfits.

I had a B&W reference photo taken this Christmas, and decided I wanted to try a monochrome block-in, so I painted it first with terra rosa, then just intuitively went on and added the flesh tones. Here is where I got in about two hours work.

Linen, 30x20 cm, the only regret is that, as I did not trace, I ended up with the head slightly bigger, it would have fit the canvas better if it was one cm smaller, but I am quite happy with it anyway.

Now I only have to face the parents and tell them they won't be able to hang it close to the other ones, but I will hope they will agree this one is much better anyway.

One weight off my shoulders in a lazy hot afternoon, with Wimbledon tennis as a musical score!
Ilaria

Hanna Larsson · 06-26-2005, 04:44 PM

Beautiful!!!

Garth Herrick · 06-26-2005, 05:12 PM

Fabulous Ilaria! This one just pops. What a wonderful color harmony, and perfect brushwork! How big is this?

Bravo!

Garth

Ilaria Rosselli Del Turco · 06-26-2005, 05:34 PM

Tiny tiny Garth, just 30x20 cm, that's why it was so quick maybe!
Can't wait to try this monochrome block- in thing in life painting!
The red looks very strong and bright, but it is a mute vermillion.

Thanks to you and Hanna
Ilaria

Garth Herrick · 06-26-2005, 05:42 PM

That would make the head about life-sized, would it not? (About 12" x 8" in inches)

Garth

Richard Monro · 06-26-2005, 05:59 PM

llaria,

Lovely and painterly. We always grow with each painting. Maybe you will be recommissioned to paint the boys as young men.

By the way we have been above 100F (38C) for the last week. Hit a high of 114F (45.6C) just the other day. Do we win the hot weather prize?

Regards,
Richard

Garth Herrick · 06-26-2005, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Monro

llaria,

Lovely and painterly. We always grow with each painting. Maybe you will be recommissioned to paint the boys as young men.

By the way we have been above 100F (38C) for the last week. Hit a high of 114F (45.6C) just the other day. Do we win the hot weather prize?

Regards,
Richard

I think you do, Richard. I was just in Scottsdale last week. What a furnace! Sorry I missed meeting you.

Ilaria, I want to know more about the soft London afternoon light that must have such an influence on your eight color palette, I am fascinated how the local atmosphere and environment affects color choices and decisions.

Garth

Ilaria Rosselli Del Turco · 06-26-2005, 06:24 PM

Richard, you do win the weather price!
But consider this: we have had no more than 20 degrees up to last week, everything is relative ! This town becomes euphoric when this "summer" peeps in for a few days.
You can't imagine how I miss my Italian sweet summer nights, I have three more weeks to go and I'm home!
Ilaria

Garth, I'm too lazy to go upstairs and measure, I reckon it is a bit smaller than life size. My sensation is that the head fits rather tight in the oval and the boy feels boxed in, or as if he is peering out from a hole. Anyway sometimes I think one must forgive herself a few sins...
Ilaria

Ilaria Rosselli Del Turco · 06-26-2005, 06:36 PM

Garth, that's a difficult question!
During the last week we had sunny spells after dull day, and the sun, around six o'clock was coming in and bouncing under the clouds. Warm golden light, very diffused, cool halftones. The trouble is that it lasts fifteen minutes in between the Simpsons and bath time, so trapping my son in the studio to sit is almost impossible, but magical when it happens.
Anyway the main thing it affects is the mood rather than the painting! In the winter we have days and days of overcast weather that would suit Cezanne (he used to paint dr Gasquet only in white sky days), and it is a constant cool light to work in, but I am desperate for sunshine, once a week!
I.

Linda Brandon · 06-26-2005, 10:57 PM

llaria, I love this strongly painted head and I'm a big fan of your fresh, painterly style. I'm very impressed that you painted it so quickly.

What a wonderful face and how lucky this child is to have this painting by you! Congratulations!