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

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Portrait of Degas

I love the texture and absorptive quality of brown paper and I keep going back to it. Today was portrait practise using a black and white photo reference of the last known photo taken of Edgar Degas. This is about 24 x 18.

17 comments:

  1. This is fantabulous Susan! Really great expression in his eyes even though he's looking off. And I like the blues in his hair.
    I also love the look of paint of brown paper. Believe it or not, watercolour can look amazing on it! (Use very little water, like goauche).
    Have a wonderful art filled weekend.

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    1. Thanks, Nora - I am always looking for new supports and appreciate the tip! I have no doubt I will try it one day!

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  2. One of the nicest portraits ive seen from
    you Susan, excellent

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    1. Thanks, David - there is something very freeing when painting on paper.

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  3. Each painting you produce gets better and better. So impressed with your work. Nigel.

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    1. Many thanks, Nigel - your work is an inspiration to me.

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  4. Such clever use of the blue, amazing. Brown paper is such an unusual surface (to me at least).

    Your portraits are never 'photographic,' Susan, but rather they are romantic realism ... they just ooze character and energy.

    I remain ...in awe!! :0)

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    1. Hi, John - I thought to try out the brown paper for oil after my last life drawing session. The instructor had us drawing in ebony on the heavy brown paper and I had so much left over. I thought I would try it rather than using small canvases for studies and found I like it very much and (surprisingly) it handles oil paint quite well.

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  5. And I LOVE what you do to brown paper!!! Susan, this is fantastic!!!

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    1. I am braver on brown paper - it seems to erase my fears when approaching a canvas. Who knows - but I do find it wonderful, and different to paint on now and then. Thanks for you kind words, Kathryn

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  6. How nice to hear from you, Ashok - you may be the first person from India to comment on my blog and I appreciate it greatly!

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  7. Is it? now you have a fan in India :)

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  8. Wonderful work in progress, Susan!! You did an amazing job with Degas! Love what you do with the brown paper!!! EXCELLENT!!!

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  9. Hi Susan.
    I think that you have done a cracking job with painting Degas. It is great to see the different stages Susan. I noticed that you have your subject on your right. I have mine on my left. Your not left handed are you Susan? Also I have a monitor but don`t use it, but i will start using it now I see you using one. All the best Susan.
    Vic.

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  10. Thanks so much, Hilda coming from such an accomplished portrait artist, I certainly appreciate your words.
    Hi, Vic. I am right handed but in order for my monitor to be at eye level so I can stand and paint, it has to be on the right side of my easel. Its purely a logistical thing. I truly have no issue with having my subject on either side however as I frequently orient myself with the subject on the left in life drawing sessions. Several years ago I saw a rather reknowned artist painting using his monitor and have found it to be so convenient. Don't you just love technology?!!

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Your comments are welcome and brighten my day!