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

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Wednesday Life Painting

Santos Corral-Bandito with Sombrero / oil on canvas panel / 18x14
 At the Portrait Group session this morning we were so fortunate to have Santos pose for us wearing a very large and ornate sombrero.  I just loved painting him in this 3/4 profile, with the elaborate hat, his tangle of wild dark hair and that fabulous gray mustache and beard! The time just flew by. What a great morning, although the temperature outside had already reached 94 degrees by the time I left the studio around noon. Its a scorcher today!

Me and my Ballerina #33 after a few final tweaks
And here I am in my own studio by the side of my latest large ballerina after a final dab here and there.

21 comments:

  1. What a terrific model you had. He brought out your best. I do love the interest hats arouse. Portrait is great. I am impressed how finished it looks in just a short period of time. Your dancing nude is singing. She doesn't look like she needs any tweaks. From here, she looks great.

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    1. He was a great model - very personable and held his pose professionally. The hat caused me some concern when I first saw it but after I decided to include only a potion of the hat, it became apparent how to proceed. I am happy with my nude ballerina. I struggled with her in the middle but she came together beautifully at the end.

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  2. I can see why you were excited painting Santos - what character!!!
    Kathryn

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    1. He was dressed as a full on Mexican cowboy with a serape, boots with spurs and a big silver buckle on his belt! Yes, quite a character!

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  3. Bonjour ma chère Susan,

    Comment ai-je pu manquer autant de tes publications ? Je ne comprends pas !... Il est vrai que j'ai rencontré des soucis avec blogger en ce qui concerne la lecture des blogs impossible durant plusieurs jours.
    Je cours également après le temps... Je prépare mon exposition pour Gassin. Sans compter que souvent on profite des beaux jours qui arrivent pour recevoir nos amis... Le temps file trop vite.
    Alors que dire ?!!... Que du bonheur que d'admirer plusieurs nouvelles toiles en même temps.
    Comme un enfant devant la vitrine d'une pâtisserie, je suis là émerveillée, sans rien dire !
    Je suis subjuguée déjà par cette dernière ballerine qui n'a d'une ballerine que ses chaussons tout près d'elle ! Mais je la reconnais bien !... J'aime beaucoup la manière que tu as traité les nuances de couleurs de sa peau. E X T R A O R D I N A I R E !
    Et puis... malgré sa corpulence, elle a cette grâce inexplicable qu'ont les danseuses.
    La lumière danse elle aussi avec les ombres. Vraiment divin !

    En ce qui concerne le chien que tu as peint, il est impressionnant. Je suis certaine que son maître fut très ému. Bravo ! Le travail du pelage est sensationnel.

    La jeune femme asiatique est merveilleuse également. Une belle harmonie de couleurs. J'aime le rictus de sa bouche dans son visage.

    Aujourd'hui, tu nous offres ce magnifique "Santos" au sombréro. Il a une superbe allure. Un port de tête presque princier.
    Une très belle peinture.


    ☼ Je te souhaite un très bel été. ☼
    Gros bisous♡

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    1. Bonjour ma chere Martine! Thank you for your kind words regarding my last few posts - I completely understand how times gets away from us. And you are preparing for your holiday in Gassin! I will miss you but know you will return with many photos of the beautiful places you visit and , hopefully, with many ideas for new paintings! Have a wonderful time!

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  4. Susan, je portret is heel mooi, het is net een beeld uit een sprookjesboek....
    groetjes,
    Simonne

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    1. Yes, Santos did seem like a character who came to life from a tale of the wild west! He was fun to paint.

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  5. Fantastic Susan. Santos is great, and your Nude as usual is marvellouse. All the best Susan.
    Vic.

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    1. It is very special to have the opportunity to paint these kinds of characters from life! How fortunate I am to have these weekly life sessions so close to me!

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  6. Santos is the "perfect" model, Susan...you did an amazing job on him... And LOVE all those wonderful colors in your latest ballerina...

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    1. I am really enjoying these life painting opportunities - I never would otherwise be able to paint a Bandito! Thank you, HIlda!

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  7. Santos-Bandito looks like a man of many stories, the portrait is so masterful and vivid.
    I keep thinking Miss Balerina is alter ego of that beautiful woman to the right, so rich in shape and content.
    This light blue is definitely your color.

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    1. Many thanks for your kind and thought provoking comments!

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  8. The eyes still got my attention, Susan, even though the hat is so dominant. You are so darned good at the portrait. I always get the sense of the person before I am even aware of the technique. That is how I was told it should be and the hardest to be when painting with a looser brush.
    Ballerina is fab.

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    1. What a nice thing to say, Julie - thank you.

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  9. What a great character he is! Fantastic painting!

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    1. He certainly was different and I had a great time painting him! Thank you, Judy.

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  10. The costumes in your life classes always make me chuckle! Very imaginative models! But it must make it more interesting to paint too :0)
    It is fabulous to see the photo of you standing next to your ballerina, which gives us a sense of scale... I absolutely love it!! It is one of my favourites! :0)

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    1. I never know what to expect on Wednesday mornings! I am so glad you like my new ballerina - I am pretty satisfied with her - although there are always areas I think I could improve :o!

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  11. Susan! You are the definition of an artist! I am almost speechless. Your art speaks for itself! In "art" language! I so love your art! I love your freedom! You skill! Your wonderful "Susanisque" technique! Bravo buddy! Keep them coming! Never, ever doubt your art decisions! Ever! Off the charts unique and beautiful!
    Your Always Happy To Visit Your Wonderful Blog Art Buddy!
    Michael

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Your comments are welcome and brighten my day!