Figure on gesso panel

William Whitaker · 02-10-2005, 02:40 AM

Since Cynthia has opened an area for nudes, an area that I'm sure going to make much more work for her, I thought I'd post several images leading to the production of a small figure painting.

The painting is based on this drawing.

It was done using a pastel pencil. I used a kneaded eraser to remove highlights.

I felt it worked out well enough for me to translate it into an oil.

William Whitaker · 02-10-2005, 11:08 PM

At one time Rob Howard was thinking about manufacturing gesso panels, real chalk gesso on cradled hardboard. It was my good fortune at he sent me a 12x16

William Whitaker · 02-10-2005, 11:10 PM

I finally got around to toning and sizing the gesso. My tone was made of raw umber (a fast dryer) and ultramarine blue. I added copal painting medium, the copal serving to strengthen the thinned paint and size and seal the very absorbent gesso. I thinned the mess out with turpentine too.

William Whitaker · 02-10-2005, 11:10 PM

I brushed on the tone and then wiped it down with the Scott Rags I keep in my studio.

William Whitaker · 02-10-2005, 11:12 PM

A few days later I started the painting. I began with a brush drawing and quickly got into color. I kept my brushwork as light and open for as long as possible. I stopped working before it began to get difficult. Had I continued longer, I could have begun to paint the life out of the work.

William Whitaker · 02-10-2005, 11:13 PM

I finished it off to my satisfaction in a second session. I did this a day or two after the initial paint had dried. Before picking up my brush again, I went over the surface with my painting knife and scraped down any paint ridges that could get in the way of the form when the painting was complete. I used filbert bristle brushes mostly, always the biggest sizes possible. I paint with a very light touch. Remember, if you apply the paint with a light touch, you can paint wet over wet without turning the surface into a muddy road. If you paint with a heavy hand, you are digging paint up and either moving it or removing it.

That

Sharon Knettell · 02-11-2005, 09:23 AM

Bill,

Not only do we get a gorgeous painting but we get a lesson that will be of endless benefit to our forum participants.

The play of the neutral and rugged background against the creamy pinks of her flesh tones is really lovely.

Thank you so much for this stellar offering.

Kimberly Dow · 02-11-2005, 10:04 AM

Bill,

This is gorgeous - as usual!

It was this time last year I saw some of your work in Midland, Texas at the Haley Library - will you have anything there this year? I'm showing right next door at the Museum of the Southwest in March - I'll hand deliver my painting if I'll get the chance to see any of your work again!

Bill, by the way - Rob Howard's son Max sells and creates these gesso panels. I'm using my first one now - they are wonderful. www.realgesso.com

William Whitaker · 02-11-2005, 10:18 AM

That's a great link Kim. Thanks.

I will have a painting of roses in the Midland show. I'm going to photograph it and crate it today.

Remind me and I will send you a shot of it. No sense in driving to Midland.

Sharon,

I'm very impressed with you for getting involved and heading up this section. The computer/technical responsibilities of this job would give me an ulcer.

Kimberly Dow · 02-11-2005, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by William Whitaker

Remind me and I will send you a shot of it. No sense in driving to Midland.

Thank you for the offer of a shot of the painting, but I beg to differ. I'm number 14 on the waiting list for your April workshop and it looks like I won't get it - at least I can go see another in person. I'd appreciate it if you'd send figuratives in next year for the show.