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| Nona / oil on cardboard / approximately 12x11 |
I decided to take my oil paints to the open portrait session this past Wednesday after spending several months drawing in graphite and Conte. I have not painted an oil portrait from life since I took a workshop many, many years ago at the Scottsdale Artists' School. But it was time to take the plunge and the life figure painting sessions at the Museum provided me with the push I needed. If not now, when? Nona is painted on cardboard prepared with a cool gray ground of gesso. I just love that surface for practice.
Pretty damn good sketch for many, many years since last portrait from life, but it isn't as if you haven't been drawing and painting the figure since. Painting from life is like riding a bike' you've proved it beautifully. I like the gray ground. :-))
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda - I just love being able to work from life with so many opportunities to do so close by me. I do wish I could afford to hire my own models but the lessons I am learning are invaluable and hopefully will carry over into my studio painting when I am using photos and other references.
DeleteNice job Susan! Good for you going back to portrait painting. Good for you again!
ReplyDelete"Nona" rocks! Keep it up buddy!
(Interesting I am taking a portrait painting class end of March! Your post today is giving me confidence! Thanks!!!!)
Michael
I know you will have great fun in the portrait class, Michael - its so stimulating to paint from life! Thank you so much for your kind support!
DeleteI love the beautiful quiet colors you chose for this piece. It is very intriguing and lovely to look at. Stunning!
ReplyDeleteWorking from life really has me thinking about values and I am always experimenting with the correct colors for skin tones. Your recent post with the work in progress was very helpful!
DeleteSuch a beautiful and captivating sketch. Great job done!!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks, Akanksha - and thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment. That is much appreciated.
DeleteKudos to you, Susan, for creating such a superb work in oil in such a short time frame!
ReplyDeleteHaving a predetermined time frame to work on a piece is interesting - it adds an element of danger and excitement that working leisurely in the studio avoids. I kind of like it!
DeleteThis is an amazing portrait, Susan!! LOVE the skin tones ..very realistic yet painted loosely ..excellent!!
ReplyDeleteThe absorbent surface of the gessoed cardboard makes moving the paint around more difficult than on a less absorbent surface. It took me a little while to get used to it but I find I love it. I like how the surface grabs the paint and won't let go - kind of like a loving embrace!
DeleteShe really is amazing! I would never think to paint oil on cardboard... I think it looks beautiful :0)
ReplyDeleteI must admit that Toulose Lautrec gave me the idea to paint on cardboard. I have seen so much of his work in oil that was done on cardboard and it always intrigued me. The book on Van Gogh that I recently read discusses the times that Lautrec and Van Gogh painted together and influenced each other. The technique that Lautrec used (and Degas also) was called peinture a l'essence where the oil is drawn off using blotting paper and the paint is then used thinned with turpentine (or mineral spirits). Using this on cardboard gives the paint a matte appearance that appeals to me. I experiment with it on and off and love the effect.
DeleteReally excellent portrait , she looks very real , great shadowing , and love how you painted her hair. I paint on cardboard all the time , and love the way it 'behaves' under my strokes.
ReplyDeleteYes! I love how it grabs the paint! I have noticed so many of Toulouse Lautrec's pieces on cardboard and so decide to try it myself!
DeleteWOW! This is so lovingly done--very sensitive portrait. Congratulations on being in the West Art show!! I've never painted on cardboard--I'll have to try it.
ReplyDeleteThank you,Stephanie. I enjoy painting on cardboard. I wish I could buy some of high quality that is not corrugated - leaving visible lines in the surface - but so far I have been cutting up old boxes and gessoing them. I use it for practice in the life sessions and occasionally to experiment in my studio.
DeleteSo very well done. I like so much to read your comments to comments, the story of this work detailed, explained and felt through.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Irina - I am still overcoming my nervousness at these life sessions. Slowly I am getting better and learning to block out the surrounding environment as I paint.
DeleteI understand. I plan to buy headphones+music to help in outdoor sketching
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