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

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Portrait Practice as a WIP

Portrait practice, alla prima, oil on linen sheet

Loose oil sketch directly on canvas establishing light and shadow

Mostly done but I decided to add a quick pinkish background

Finished - oil on linen, 12 x 16
I did this portrait today as I am having a crisis of subject matter - nothing seems to be catching my imagination and demanding to be painted. When that happens (and it does from time to time) I tend to fall back on the basics and wait for inspiration to hit.
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20 comments:

  1. hmuxoMarch 9, 2017 at 7:43 PM

    Your work with portraits is outstanding Susan!! I love the angle of the head...and all the colors in the face!!!! Wonderful work.

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    1. SusanMarch 13, 2017 at 4:03 PM

      Thank you, Hilda. I feel that I sometimes get carried away with color.

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  2. ashokMarch 9, 2017 at 11:44 PM

    awesome!

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    1. SusanMarch 13, 2017 at 4:03 PM

      Thanks, Ashok - and I just love your new photo!

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  3. TinaCollinsMarch 10, 2017 at 2:33 AM

    Its just struck me that you have a very sound process - your work is consistently good whether you are inspired or not. What superb expression you have captured here.

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    1. SusanMarch 13, 2017 at 4:04 PM

      How nice, Tina! I am looking forward to seeing more of your work - soon I hope!

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  4. JudyMarch 10, 2017 at 3:02 AM

    Beautiful to see your steps. Wonderful portrait!

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    1. SusanMarch 13, 2017 at 4:04 PM

      I had intended to take more photos along the way - but forgot! Glad you like it, Judy.

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  5. Stephanie BerryMarch 10, 2017 at 6:28 AM

    Excellent portrait. I hear you about the inspiration and agree with Tina that your work is consistently good. Was this from a photo?

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    1. SusanMarch 13, 2017 at 4:05 PM

      Yes, this is from a photo - I think I take a lot of liberty with color when using a photo - especially in the shadow areas.

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  6. Gatepost productionsMarch 10, 2017 at 8:52 AM

    So nice of you to to share the steps - you make it all look easy. Lovely final image.

    Try watching some videos of ballet; it's what I do to get my muse hopping about. I can whistle 2 hours of Swan Lake music .... non-stop

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    1. SusanMarch 13, 2017 at 4:06 PM

      I wish it were easy but the odd thing is, it seems to be harder and harder. I will try the video suggestion! Thanks, John.

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  7. Carol FlattMarch 10, 2017 at 2:10 PM

    Thank you for the WIP photos. The process is so interesting to me! You are able to infuse such character into your portraits!

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    1. SusanMarch 13, 2017 at 4:06 PM

      Many thanks, Carol - I hope to see you back at work at your easel soon. Hope your recovery is flawless and complete!

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  8. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comMarch 10, 2017 at 8:14 PM

    My jaw drops when I see every painting you do.
    Talk about top tier painting. You amaze. This face is alive.
    Sorry you are going through a dearth of inspiration but you had some major stuff going on between hubby and flooding. I am impressed you are showing up and working.
    Sending true warm wishes your way for the bliss of inspiration to land on your talented head.

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    1. SusanMarch 13, 2017 at 4:07 PM

      Your comments mean so much to me, Julie, as I feel you are such a creative and unique painter. Thank you.

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  9. Victor ErringtonMarch 11, 2017 at 4:07 AM

    Wonderful portrait My friend. As Julie above says it is alive. All the best Susan.
    Vic.

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  10. JaneMarch 11, 2017 at 1:53 PM

    It's a fabulous portrait and a position of the head that is not the easiest to paint. Your way of using colors in suggesting shades or light never cease to amaze me .

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    1. SusanMarch 13, 2017 at 4:08 PM

      I agree about the head tilt being a challenge. Thank you for such a nice comment, Jane

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Your comments are welcome and brighten my day!

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