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

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Art Mash 3

Lauren / oil on linen panel / 18x14

This Sunday was the 3rd open studio Art Mash that I have attended and my jitters are finally calming down, thank goodness. I was so unhappy with last weeks effort that it took all my courage to post that photo on my blog. But, of course, I know that the development of an artist occurs only after putting paint on miles and miles of canvas. Some work will be better than others no doubt. This week, I am happier with my effort - especially the color in the models face. She had such beautiful skin. I am also happy that I did not try to be completely literal in my interpretation but allowed myself artistic freedom of thought and feeling as I painted her. I think that has to do with finally settling myself down and not caring about anything other than to take maximum advantage of the opportunity to paint her.

21 comments:

  1. Good for you Susan! Life is short! Paint! Full speed ahead. "Paint furiously and freely and you will make progress." PG
    Your work is always exciting, bold, interesting, fresh, colorful, even brazen! I love it! This piece is wonderful! Keep on keeping on!
    Your New England Art Buddy Fan!
    Michael
    (More and more snow all week! Tough driving but ever so beautiful!)

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    1. I love your advice Michael - paint furiously! Thank you kindly for your very welcome comments! You made my day! I envy you the snow - even with its challenges, it is so exquisitely beautiful!

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  2. Love her Jacobian costume! The model is beautifully painted; I agree with Michael's comment - even brazen. I think that describes it well. Perfect, Susan - and absolute visual feast!!

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    1. She was dressed exquisitely - I was in love with the colors, the pose, her countenance - everything!

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  3. Ik vind dit prachtig Susan, ik hou van deze kleding en haar hoedje !
    groetjes,
    Simonne

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    1. She was a great model and her costume was so lovely - thank you, Simmone!

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  4. Exelent Susan. Beutiful colours, and beutifuly Painted. All the best Susan.
    Vic.

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    1. I enjoyed the colors this session, too, Vic - not as garish as the previous session! :)

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  5. How you could possibly be unhappy with anything you paint is baffling to me! I remain in awe as always of your wonderful, painterly work! :0)

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    1. You are so nice, Sandra - thank you. Painting from life is so different from painting in the studio where things are controlled. Its an ongoing challenge.

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  6. j'adore ta toile , le costume, les couleurs c'est magnifique ma chère Susan!
    Have a nice week-end!
    Cath.

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  7. You have such a great sense of color and the drawing of the costume is beautiful, this is super Susan , you can be absolutely satisfied .

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    1. I greatly appreciate your words - thank yo so much, Jane.

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  8. i love her!!! she is just wonderful. i love the painting and i love your post! Bravo!!

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  9. Like the way you have created the white frills.

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    1. Many thanks for stopping by and commenting - thank you, Haddock!

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  10. She is so interesting, this violet and her thoughtful expression. How long did it take you to paint this portrait? One session? How is your work station is arranged during this sessions?

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  11. The studio sessions are 3 hours long - the model poses for about 20 or 25 minutes and then takes 5 minute breaks - so I estimate there is about 2 and half hours of actual painting time. I take my portable Jullian French Easel, a disposable paper palette and a small plastic box for my paint tubes. This box and a few brushes go into a shoulder satchel that I have used for years. I also take a small container of odorless mineral spirits and some paper towels. I try to keep my equipment and paints to a minimum so I can focus on the painting process and not the set up! It works well for me but I wish the easel weighed less. Mine is made of wood and is heavy and a bit cumbersome.

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Your comments are welcome and brighten my day!