Portrait of Young Woman

Jimmie Arroyo · 07-02-2005, 12:09 AM

Hi, I had this going on in the "WIP" section, and would like to thank everyone for their comments and advice. Here's the newer finished version. I worked a bit on the arm and softened the edges compared to the last pic posted in the "WIP" thread. This one ended up tighter than the previous ones, which I was a bit disappointed by, I thought I was working loose as I was doing it.

I try to keep my mind clear, but I guess when thinking of purposely working loose, I did'nt. I tell myself not to, but these thoughts I tend to "keep in mind". "Don't over work", "know I still struggle" "more energy". Seems like it can't be avoided, but thinking is my biggest downfall.

I overworked the shirt and actually lost tooth. The top layers in certain areas of the shirt are sitting there, not in the tooth. I mainly struggled with the shirt, but the skin tones were'nt too bad this time. Then the whole time working, I really thought I was loose and energetic, but was much tighter than anticipated. Oh well, I have to NOT try so hard for the next one.

The final size is 19x24", done on 'Belgium Mist' Wallis paper mounted on board. Thanks for looking.

Terri Ficenec · 07-02-2005, 01:21 AM

Another winner Jimmie!
In the full image view it might look a bit tighter than you usually work... but still seems fairly loose in the close-ups? Love the attitude and that hand!

Julie Boyles · 07-02-2005, 09:37 AM

This is wonderful Jimmie! It is a beautiful finish! I really enjoyed watching this develop in the Work In Progress section. I love her pose and the way you handled her hands and expression is just great. I still see quite a bit of looseness and energy so I hope you won't stay too disappointed with that aspect.

As I look at this piece as with some of your others I always wonder about your subject. Her expression in this has so much attitude I wonder if this is a familiar look for her or is she really quick to smile and laugh and you just caught her in this moment. I think you are very accomplished in this aspect of all your drawings and pastels. I always hope to achieve that kind of pondering in my paintings.

Congratulations on a Wonderful piece!
Julie
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Alexandra Tyng · 07-02-2005, 10:15 AM

Jimmie,

When you posted this piece in Works in Progress I was immediately attracted to it. I love the expression. She looks smart, challenging, and introspective. I think the finished piece is wonderful. The lighting has just the right degree of drama and you made something so unique out of the pose and turn of her head.

Alex

Denise Hall · 07-03-2005, 04:37 PM

Jimmie,

I haven't been here in awhile and haven't even see the WIP of this but let me tell you - this is great. The planes of her face are executed so well. I love the way the part around her mouth (can't think of what it's called if it's called anything...) protrudes - very subtle color and value changes. I thought this was oils until I read further.

Great to see your work too - I love the dramatic color and the head is turning so well.

Your fan,

Denise

Molly Sherrick Phifer · 07-03-2005, 07:53 PM

Jimmie,

I have watched with rapt attention your foray into pastels and am newly amazed by each piece you execute. Wow. I can't wait to see your next work!

I am totally impressed with your claim to have filled the tooth of your Wallis paper, too! The first person I know of to have accomplished that feat.

Allan Rahbek · 07-05-2005, 05:40 AM

Well done again Jimmie,

Beautiful solid drawing of the head especially. And the background helps to emphasize the form of the head.

Two colors also.......... Blue and Brown.....

I am sure that you could loosen up a bit and show another side of your talent. Would like to see it.

Allan

Tricia Migdoll · 07-05-2005, 06:00 AM

Beautiful, beautiful face, Jimmie.
WOW !!

Jimmie Arroyo · 07-06-2005, 06:30 PM

Thanks all,

The close-ups do look a bit looser, I agree, but I'm comparing the overall picture to the last pastel I did which I am happier with the application. I would like to do more with the next one.

Quote:

Her expression in this has so much attitude I wonder if this is a familiar look for her or is she really quick to smile and laugh and you just caught her in this moment

She's much different in person, always smiling, very sweet. As soon as she posed, I asked no smile, and this is what I got. I thought it was perfect.

Quote:

I am totally impressed with your claim to have filled the tooth of your Wallis paper, too! The first person I know of to have accomplished that feat.

I went a few layers with just the first version of the shirt. Then, a few more when I tried toning it down with gray. Necklace was covered, more layers. Different necklace also covered, more layers with brighter blues after receiving my set of Unisons. Lastly, added oranges in the shirt, then covered again. I don't even know what layer I'm up to, but Wallis claims to hold 25 layers and I definitely surpassed that!

Quote:

I am sure that you could loosen up a bit and show another side of your talent. Would like to see it.

Ha, I'd like to see it also.

Lisa Ober · 07-08-2005, 12:39 AM

Well from the Queen of Tight this sure looks loose from my perspective (they need ot put up a little tight smiley icon for me-maybe buns or something)! I only dream of painting this loosely. I love it, Jimmie. You are such a talent. Sometimes paintings end up the way they are supposed to end up as I believe this one did. Looser is maybe more a process (which you said you had) than an end result. Whatever happened it sure did work out!