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

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Nicole

Nicole / oil on canvas panel / 16x12
 A special treat at the Portrait Society today - Nicole, who is hearing impaired brought her helper dog, Coal, with her. He was so gorgeous and a perfect gentleman.In fact, when a deliveryman knocked at the door, he immediately jumped up and demanded to know exactly who it was that was interrupting us! I badly wanted to paint him but Nicole has such a beautiful and interesting face that I chose to do her portrait instead. If I had brought a larger canvas I think I would have attempted both Nicole and Cole.
Nicole and Coal, her Hearing Aid Dog 

20 comments:

  1. Bonjour ma chère Susan,
    Ce portrait est fantastique et saisissant. J'aime beaucoup la manière que tu as travaillé les nuances de couleurs de sa peau... le mariage des couleurs et de la lumière. Les reflets dans ses cheveux des subtiles nuances de couleurs de son chemisier sont intéressants...
    Il n'est peut-être pas trop tard pour peindre ce beau duo ?!...

    ♡ Gros bisous ♡

    Merci pour ton gentil message...

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    1. Merci beaucoup, mon cher ami. I may try to paint this duo some day!

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  2. I think you were happier painting this portrait, whether it was the influence of Coal or Nicole, I'm not sure. I love the strong and definitive strokes and your use of pinks throughout. There you have it - comments from a watercolorist who knows ZIP about oils :)
    Kathryn

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    1. You are right, Kathryn! I am more pleased with this portrait than any I have done in a while. The upward tilt of the chin and the definite reflections on her glasses somehow gave me an insight into the model. I loved painting her - and perhaps the presence of Coal was inspiring as well!

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  3. A striking Portrait Susan. Thanks for showing us coal. It`s a pity you didn`t have time to do Coal, he looks a beauty. All the best Susan.
    Vic.

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    1. Thank you, Vic. He was such a lovely animal - and so calm and responsive. He and Nicole had a palpable bond.

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  4. A great portrait with wonderful loose dots of colors that really give life to the work and great high lights on the glasses( spectacles ? ) . You could still do another painting with Coal in it ...you have the photo , though I know it is not at all the same as from life !

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    1. I had a great sense of confidence when painting this one - that is an elusive butterfly for sure! Thanks, Jane, I am pleased with it and may paint coal someday.

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  5. Beautiful work, Susan.. An amazing portrait of Nicole!!! I can see why you would want to add Cole to the painting.. and the glasses are painted so realistically!
    LOVE this one..

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    1. Many thanks, Hilda. I usually cringe when painting glasses but these had a rather rakish angle which appealed to me.

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  6. What a fantastic painting and oh that gorgeous dog! I would have been tempted to paint him too! :)

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    1. He was a beauty. I just finished painting an all black do this morning. It was a huge challenge!

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  7. You are my inspiration!
    Know No Fear - giving Sargent a run for his money when painting glasses!
    This has so much life and personality it is a pleasure to dwell on her face.

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    1. And you inspire me, Julie! This is one life portrait I am happy with - thanks for your kind words.

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  8. I like the way you do skin tones. Mottling the values has a wonderful effect. Inspiring.

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    1. I am still working on the skin tones - trying to calm my fevered color choices- lol!

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  9. Another wonderful portrait! We have a model who brings her dog Carmen with her a lot. Maybe next time you can do Coal too. Your recent dog portrait is great--he looks like a hilarious dog-all fur and fun.

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    1. Indeed he is all fur - painting all that black was a real challenge. I mixed up several different blacks before choosing how to paint him! :)

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  10. Susan!
    Wonderful!
    Full of wonder!
    Very "Susanisque!"
    Your so happy to be following your blog art buddy!
    Michael

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    1. Your comments are always such a joy to read - many thanks my dear art buddy!

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Your comments are welcome and brighten my day!