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

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Daryan at the Portrait Society

Daryan / 18 x 14 / oil on linen panel
Feeling very free with both brush and paint, this alla prima figure study was done from a photo taken of model Daryan at the Reno Portrait Society. I loved her clothing and tall black boots, I loved the way the light caught her features and her hair - and well, I just loved painting her!
And, by the way, congratulations to California Chrome! What a magnificent horse!

22 comments:

  1. Susan, you have rendered Daryan beautifully, can feel that you loved painting her. My eye went from her boots to her hair and then to her lips, and stayed - wonderful shapes and values there.
    And cheers to California Chrome!!! :)

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    1. This is one painting I am pleased with - that happens only once in a blue moon so it makes me happy when I feel this way! California Chrome - next stop the Belmont Stakes! I think he can do it!

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  2. Susan, je hebt je model geweldig weergegeven , ze straalt rust uit.
    groetjes,
    Simonne

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    1. She was a wonderful model - very composed and at ease.

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  3. You painted Daryan so beautifully and so natural, Susan! Her clothing is done so perfectly as well! As far as California Chrome!! I thought I was going to jump off the couch....so exciting!!! I hope to see a painting of him soon...you would be the one to capture him.......!

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    1. Thank you so much, Hilda. I was charmed by her outfit and tried to paint just the "essence" of it. Go California Chrome - I am eagerly waiting the Belmont!

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  4. Bonjour ma chère Susan,
    Je pense qu'une certaine complicité inconsciente s'est crée lors de cette peinture. Je savoure agréablement chaque touche... La lumière joue avec les couleurs.
    Tu t'es sentie à l'aise en la peignant car ton modèle dégageait aussi un belle énergie. Une belle communion.
    Je te fais de gros bisous et plein de bonnes choses pour ce prochain 24 mai... des bisous à mes "bébés" !

    Gros bisous ♡

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    1. Merci, MartineAlison! What an exciting day it is for us - the opening of the Roux and Cyr Gallery! How I wish we could both be there to see our work hanging side by side! I hope it is a successful venture for all involved!

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  5. A wonderful portrait, you painted her looking very relaxed and content and with a beautifully rendered body, love it !

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    1. This one just flew off the brush, Jane - its so exciting when that happens.

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  6. She is so alive, relaxed, beautiful and well composed. Masterly done.

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    1. She was a joy to paint - which I believe somehow affects the final result. I seem to paint much more confidently when I am love the subject - whether it be apples or horses or people.

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  7. Oh look - another masterpiece... what a surprise (not)!!
    This is not the place to visit when I'm going through a complete confidence crash, lol! Your paintings look effortlessly brilliant!! Sigh.... :0/

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    1. LOL - you make me laugh, Sandra! This one kind of flew off the brush - as if I was on auto pilot. In a way, that did make it seem effortless. I go through those crashes of confidence as well. The only solution is to keep painting. It will pass.

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  8. Beautifully captured gesture! I also am really enjoying looking at all of the details that you've captured in her outfit. Isn't it lovely when you have a great model to paint? :)

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    1. I am so lucky to have weekly life drawing/painting opportunities - its been an exhilarating experience.

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  9. Susan! I so love your art! Always takes my breath away! Love latest ballerinasI I am thrilled that you feel free with both paint and brush! Feeling free rocks! Daryan is now my newest favorite of yours! Take care Susan! As always thank you for posting your fantastic, exciting, interesting, one of a kind, and so much more, art!
    Michael

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    1. Many thanks, Michael - for your generous words and your great enthusiasm!

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  10. love everything about this. your figure work rocks and I can see and feel your 'freedom' in both brush and spirit!

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    1. Thank you for visiting my blog and for your comment, Mary!

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  11. This shows how working from the live model has come along from when you switched from drawing to painting in your sessions. It has all the freedom of your ballerinas - what a great stage to be in.
    I love the story behind CC and fingers crossed for the Triple Crown.

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  12. I am so glad I began using oils, Julie - nothing ventured, nothing gained. And I feel as if I have benefited immeasurably from these life opportunities.
    Yes! Go California Chrome - a Triple Crown win would be off the charts!

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Your comments are welcome and brighten my day!