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

Friday, October 19, 2012

Granddaughters of Marc Chagall

 
Oooohhhh - I am so done with this. I believe I painted the second face 4 times before I was satisfied. Finally, finally, finally I think I have a good likeness. In this photograph, the values appear different in the two faces because the paint is wet on one and dry on the other. Once the painting dries competely, I generally buff the surface with a thin coat of Winsor and Newton Liquin. It brings out the depths of the darks beautifully and dries to a low sheen finish.  I will try to to remember to take another photo when I do that. This painting is 14x18 oil on linen board - my favorite support.

Here is the close up of the second portrait. I must admit, this project exhausted me!

33 comments:

  1. I would say your energy has not been wasted. It's a beautiful painting and these gals are lovely and full of energy themselves. I hope you had some fun with this piece while it exhausted you... it looks very playful and effortless.

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    1. Thank you, Diana - I greatly appreciate your comment. Happiness abounds when the final effort seems effortless - I love that :)!

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  2. Susan, they are both difficult expressions to paint, but I must say you have got wonderful energy and expressions conveyed in both of the women.

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    1. Yes, the expressions where difficult but that's okay - the harder it is, the more determined I become! I once did a portrait commission for a friend of her deceased husband. I had to work from a tiny snapshot that was taken with a flash - flattening out the features and making the shadows almost black. Now that was a real struggle!

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  3. It's an exciting portrait and they seem so pleased that you did it. What a challenge you have met, as there is nothing straight forward or simple about them.

    You've got behind their eyes, and brought out something more than their images ... brilliant!

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    1. Your commnet goes to the heart of the matter - showing more than just a likeness. I am always striving to do that and glad that you think I suceeded! Thanks, John - you are very encouraging.

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  4. Both have the vivid and playful look, that is your signature! Wonderful portraits!

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    1. Vivid and playful - oh, Judy, I love that - thank you very much! :)

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    1. Hi, Rick - thanks so much for stopping by to comment. Your 2 little words mean a great deal to me. I hope that you and yours are doing well.

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  6. This is wonderful Susan. I do like the way you handle paint. Everything you do is fun and lively and inspirational.

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    1. Thanks, Linda. The handling of the paint - that is the truth behind it all! Your words are inspiring to me - when peole say things like that, it keeps me keeping on!

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  7. I think it looks wonderful! I like how you didn't loose your painting style. Sometimes when we're asked to paint something specific, we can easily loose our own touch, especially if it becomes a struggle.

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    1. That is certainly the difficulty when one portrait goes well and the other has to be redone - as was the case here. I had to strive for the same energy in the brushwork so one face wasn't very loose and the other very tight. There was a point or two when I didn't think I could pull it off. But I am happy with the result and am already on to my next painting! :)

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  8. I think you did a wonderful job with those big smiles and you stayed loose, something that is so difficult on commissions.

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    1. Thanks, Wanda - those big smiles were certainly daunting!

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  9. Susan!
    This painting is fantastic. So much I love about it!
    I am sure the likeness is very accurate! Better than that for me is the painting itself as a fine work of art! The "agony and ecstasy" of the art process can be frustrating but worth it. Bravo for you for hanging tough!
    Great art here!
    Take care.
    Michael

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    1. Many thanks for your enthusiatic support, Michael.

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  10. Portraits are tough,but these two are fantastic, vivid and real !

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    1. I love doing portraits - something about the likeness and more coming to life on the canvas is absolutely compelling! Thanks, Jane.

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  11. Heel goed geschilderd Susan, ziet er realistisch uit.
    groetjes,
    Simonne

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    1. I am so grateful for your kind words, Simmone!

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  12. Fabulous and inspiring.
    Thanks for sharing the struggle you had and your perserverance having a successful result. I look at your work and the skill in it appearing effortless - with a fresh and painterly surface which never appears labored. It is very encouraging to know sometimes it takes a lot to get it that way.

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    1. Thank you, Julie. I greatly appreciate your kind comment.

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  13. You've done an outstanding job with this portrait, Susan!! Portraits are always challenging..but you did such a wonderful job on these ladies...!! I love the expressions on their faces!!

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  14. Ciao Susan,
    La tua fatica ha come risultato un lavoro vivo, espressivo e molto bello...
    Questi due volti parlano e spingono ad immaginare ciò che dicono..gli occhi poi sono uno specchio!
    Bellissimo!
    Ciao, ciao, Floriana

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    1. I had fun doing them - even with the struggle! Many thanks, Floriana.

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    1. Thanks you, Ashok - I greatly enjoy your poems and your artwork.

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  16. Absolutely gorgeous work! And very unique to you :0)

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Your comments are welcome and brighten my day!