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

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Wednesday Portrait Studio

Hannah / oil on linen panel / 18 x 14

The lovely Hannah posed so serenely for us yesterday morning. It was a tall order to try to capture her beauty, youth, energy and vitality in paint - but I certainly gave it a whirl!

22 comments:

  1. She does indeed look very serene. You captured her so beautifully, and the hair - fantastic work!!!
    Kathryn

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  2. Beautiful portrait, Susan !
    Lucky you to enjoy a Portrait Studio

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    1. yes - I consider myself so fortunate to be able to attend these sessions! Thank you, Marine.

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  3. Susan! I am trying to catch up on your wonderful art! Be clear that I am out here enjoying all your magnificent art! Just need to make time to write comments!
    All great! All special! All you!
    Bravo!
    Your art always excites me and makes me so very, very happy!
    Thanks buddy!
    Michael The Happy Susan's Blog Visitor!

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    1. So very glad you stopped by, Michael! I know how time gets away from us and I am deeply appreciative each time I see one of your comments. Many thanks, my loyal art buddy!

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  4. You definitely captured her beauty Susan. You painted her hair beautifully....
    Love her curls!

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    1. You are always so kind with you lovely comments, Hilda - thank you!

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  5. It is just beautiful! Those colours in her skin and the way they ribbon through her hair... Gorgeous! :0)

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    1. Her mass of curls were a challenge! Thank you, Sandra!

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  6. Her coloring is beautiful and you did capture it, but what is outstanding in this painting is your brushwork. Her hair set the pace and it looks vigorous,. How long are these sessions? Did you finish then or later?

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    1. The sessions run from 9 am to 12:30 pm. The model poses for 20 minute time periods than has a 5 minute break. A timer is used so it's pretty strict and consistent. The more I paint from life, the quicker I tend to capture what I need to. I usually spend the first 20 minutes deciding on composition, angle of approach and do a monotone oil sketch to locate the features properly. The next 20 minutes I check proportions, decide about shadows and begin to lay in color. Once I lay down my brushes, I am done. I almost never change anything once I get home. If I don't like the painting, I tend to wipe it off and use the panel another day for another try.

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  7. Wow, you've been busy! The wild mustangs are lovely and I love the portraits you've been doing. The latest ballerina is stunning!

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  8. You love your portrait classes don`t you Susan, it shows in what you produce. Lovely portrait. all the best susan.
    Vic.

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    1. I cherish the opportunity to paint from life in a controlled environment o a regular basis. Its invaluable to me!

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  9. It is not a painting. It is a story about a person, hers character, dreams and ideas. This face makes one switch on imagination.

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    1. This is what I always have in mind when I paint from life - there has to be more than a mere depiction of the external features. Thank you, Irina.

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  10. Susan, je hebt deze mooie dame echt prachtig weergegeven !
    groetjes,
    Simonne

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Your comments are welcome and brighten my day!