Another of Nan

[Alexandra Tyng]

Thanks so much, Tom!

Originally Posted by Tom Edgerton

when I paint someone for a second or third time, the characterization is so much more insightful and subtle. . . .

Yes, I do feel that way. I've actually attempted to paint her several more times before the one I posted here with the yellow flowers in the vase. The first time, I felt I hardly scratched the surface. It looked like her, but was not her. Every time I tried, I was able to say more.

A friend (an artist) asked me to paint portraits of her children at three different ages. The same thing happened. (I couldn't believe she wanted me back, but it was a fascinating experience to be able to do this.)

[Thomasin Dewhurst]

Alexandra - this is just wonderful! Your pools of shadow and light that have the substance of flesh. My eyes feel so well-fed looking at it! And I so admire your confidence and unquestioning drive, and your honesty.

May I ask this mundane question: did you use a photo or have your friend sit? I presume the latter ...

[Alexandra Tyng]

Thomasin, thank you on all counts!

Originally Posted by Thomasin Dewhurst

May I ask this mundane question: did you use a photo or have your friend sit?

I used several photos. I wish I could get her to sit for me--she's a big advocate of painting and drawing from life--but I can't get her to sit still. This past summer I even tried scheduling a time, but when I got there she was busy with something else! I'm still hoping, though.

[Marina Dieul]

Alex,
very nice light and shadows. I love the close up, I could watch them for hours!

[Janel Maples]

Alex,

I echo what everyone else is saying but I'd like to add a question.

Do you ever (or perhaps I should ask would you ever) take photos of your work
in progress in steps from start to finish? Your paint strokes look so fresh that I am curious what is underneath, if anything.

I also really enjoy the close ups.

[Alexandra Tyng]

Marina and Janel, thanks for your kind words!

Janel, I'm glad the strokes look fresh. I build the paint up in about 3 layers, not that I count them or anything, it just usually turns out that way. If I don't like a certain section (if it looks labored over or if the brushstrokes don't look the way I want them to be), I wipe it out and try again. Even if the paint is partially dry, wiping out with a paper towel smoothes it out and gets off any thicker strokes so it's easier to paint over without getting muddy.

I left a lot of the underpainting showing in the rosebush. I first used sap green (dark but transparent) mixed with burnt umber and burnt sienna. On top of that I added thicker paint only where I needed it. The figure of Nan was done in thicker, more opaque layers.

Actually I have done a few WIPs here that might show the stages you are referring to. They are:

http://forum.portraitartist.com/showthread.php?t=7475

http://forum.portraitartist,com/showthread.php?t=6922

http://forum.portraitartist.com/showthread.php?=6260

But you might have seen these already.

[Janel Maples]

Thank you Alex,

Do I feel stupid?

Yep!

Not sure where I've been that I've missed these.