Oooohhhh - I am so done with this. I believe I painted the second face 4 times before I was satisfied. Finally, finally, finally I think I have a good likeness. In this photograph, the values appear different in the two faces because the paint is wet on one and dry on the other. Once the painting dries competely, I generally buff the surface with a thin coat of Winsor and Newton Liquin. It brings out the depths of the darks beautifully and dries to a low sheen finish. I will try to to remember to take another photo when I do that. This painting is 14x18 oil on linen board - my favorite support.
I would say your energy has not been wasted. It's a beautiful painting and these gals are lovely and full of energy themselves. I hope you had some fun with this piece while it exhausted you... it looks very playful and effortless.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Diana - I greatly appreciate your comment. Happiness abounds when the final effort seems effortless - I love that :)!
DeleteSusan, they are both difficult expressions to paint, but I must say you have got wonderful energy and expressions conveyed in both of the women.
ReplyDeleteYes, the expressions where difficult but that's okay - the harder it is, the more determined I become! I once did a portrait commission for a friend of her deceased husband. I had to work from a tiny snapshot that was taken with a flash - flattening out the features and making the shadows almost black. Now that was a real struggle!
DeleteIt's an exciting portrait and they seem so pleased that you did it. What a challenge you have met, as there is nothing straight forward or simple about them.
ReplyDeleteYou've got behind their eyes, and brought out something more than their images ... brilliant!
Your commnet goes to the heart of the matter - showing more than just a likeness. I am always striving to do that and glad that you think I suceeded! Thanks, John - you are very encouraging.
DeleteBoth have the vivid and playful look, that is your signature! Wonderful portraits!
ReplyDeleteVivid and playful - oh, Judy, I love that - thank you very much! :)
Deletegood stuff.
ReplyDeleteHi, Rick - thanks so much for stopping by to comment. Your 2 little words mean a great deal to me. I hope that you and yours are doing well.
DeleteThis is wonderful Susan. I do like the way you handle paint. Everything you do is fun and lively and inspirational.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda. The handling of the paint - that is the truth behind it all! Your words are inspiring to me - when peole say things like that, it keeps me keeping on!
DeleteI think it looks wonderful! I like how you didn't loose your painting style. Sometimes when we're asked to paint something specific, we can easily loose our own touch, especially if it becomes a struggle.
ReplyDeleteThat is certainly the difficulty when one portrait goes well and the other has to be redone - as was the case here. I had to strive for the same energy in the brushwork so one face wasn't very loose and the other very tight. There was a point or two when I didn't think I could pull it off. But I am happy with the result and am already on to my next painting! :)
DeleteI think you did a wonderful job with those big smiles and you stayed loose, something that is so difficult on commissions.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Wanda - those big smiles were certainly daunting!
DeleteSusan!
ReplyDeleteThis painting is fantastic. So much I love about it!
I am sure the likeness is very accurate! Better than that for me is the painting itself as a fine work of art! The "agony and ecstasy" of the art process can be frustrating but worth it. Bravo for you for hanging tough!
Great art here!
Take care.
Michael
Many thanks for your enthusiatic support, Michael.
DeletePortraits are tough,but these two are fantastic, vivid and real !
ReplyDeleteI love doing portraits - something about the likeness and more coming to life on the canvas is absolutely compelling! Thanks, Jane.
DeleteHeel goed geschilderd Susan, ziet er realistisch uit.
ReplyDeletegroetjes,
Simonne
I am so grateful for your kind words, Simmone!
DeleteFabulous and inspiring.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the struggle you had and your perserverance having a successful result. I look at your work and the skill in it appearing effortless - with a fresh and painterly surface which never appears labored. It is very encouraging to know sometimes it takes a lot to get it that way.
Thank you, Julie. I greatly appreciate your kind comment.
DeleteYou've done an outstanding job with this portrait, Susan!! Portraits are always challenging..but you did such a wonderful job on these ladies...!! I love the expressions on their faces!!
ReplyDeleteThat means so much coming from you, Hilda!
DeleteCiao Susan,
ReplyDeleteLa tua fatica ha come risultato un lavoro vivo, espressivo e molto bello...
Questi due volti parlano e spingono ad immaginare ciò che dicono..gli occhi poi sono uno specchio!
Bellissimo!
Ciao, ciao, Floriana
I had fun doing them - even with the struggle! Many thanks, Floriana.
Deletefantastic!!
ReplyDeleteThanks you, Ashok - I greatly enjoy your poems and your artwork.
DeleteExcelente trabalho....
ReplyDeleteCumprimentos
Thank you, Chana.
DeleteAbsolutely gorgeous work! And very unique to you :0)
ReplyDelete