"Paintings have a life of their own that derives from the painter's soul." Vincent Van Gogh

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Double Portrait

Working on a double portrait and the left half came along more quickly than the right. I actually had to wipe off the other face about half way through as I had lost the likeness. She will wait for another day but I thought I would show you the surviving half. Painting an open smile with teeth is quite the challenge and I may subdue these a bit more before all is said and done.

26 comments:

  1. so wonderfully expressive, Susan. You're the bomb :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL - thanks, Gina - it feels good to be the bomb! :)

      Delete
  2. Now that is a fabulous expression. Really great. Look forward to seeing the other half.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope I can catch her, Nora - she is turning out to be a struggle. I think my portraits are always best when I complete them in one session. My problem now is relating her - color, temperature and values - to the existing portrait. I hope I can do it!

      Delete
  3. Un portrait qui parle, vivant de joie et d'émotion...
    Gros bisous

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tres bien, Martin Alison! She is the granddaughter of Marc Chagall and was attending a recent opening of his work. I do believe she was happy!

      Delete
  4. Replies
    1. Thanks, Judy - I think the expression compelled me to to try and capture her in paint.

      Delete
  5. Hi Susan, love it, your style is so special and I really had to smile abour your ballerinas on horseback! And thank you for watching my blog and your friendly comments.
    Best regards from Berlin, Maike

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I always appreiate it so much when you stop by, Maike - it's nice to have art friends around the planet!

      Delete
  6. Het ziet er fantastisch uit Susan !

    groetjes,
    Simonne

    ReplyDelete
  7. Well I think it looks just wonderful! I love the visible marks you use. So expressive :0)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love when you use that word, Sandra (expressive) as it is a goal of mine to paint with emotion through vigorous brushwork.

      Delete
  8. What a wild and fabulous face, so much energy. I look forward to seeing the entire painting, Susan.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love that comment, Kathryn! Many, many thanks!

      Delete
  9. How terrific is this! - I feel like I know this joyful and fun person. Everything you do is top notch, Susan. you really have a remarkable talent.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow - that really means a lot to me, Julie. I appreciate greatly that you follow my blog and say such encouraging things :)!

      Delete
  10. She looks like she is saying to you, "Two faced ...you're saying who is two-faced? ....me?"

    You really are the bees knees you know!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, my gosh - in one blog post I am both the bomb and the bee's knees! Life could not be better! Many thanks, John!

      Delete
  11. Excellent portrait, Susan...wonderful colors and love her expression!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think we both love portraiture - thanks so much, Hilda!

      Delete
  12. No,no, no. She looks like she'd alive and in mid-sentence. I love it. --Anyway, you won't really know how to treat her until the other head is laid in. Double portraits are a balancing act.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, gosh, Linda - you are so right. I spent the entire day yesterday trying to paint the second portrait and ended up rubbing her off again and again. I am surprised there is not a big gaping hole in the canvas where she is supposed to be. I am going to give it one more earnest try............

      Delete

Your comments are welcome and brighten my day!