Hi Jonathan, I just spotted this. What a beautiful painting! Congratulations on this sensitive, painterly work. (You're right, color really is secondary to values and drawing, but your color here looks wonderful. I just discovered cobalt violet also.)

If this is the first time you did a three hour demo, I hate you. ;) Next time you do this I would love to see progress photos.

Did you talk to the crowd as you worked? I think it is tough to answer the crowd's questions and still come up with a good painting - takes a lot of practice.

Again, what a lovely painting!

Very nice job -- and congratulations on the press attention. I also agree that painting in front of a crowd is a good (though challenging) experience. It does force you to hone your concentration!

Janel Maples - Thanks for your kind words. I actually don't think I could get as much done in pencil in three hours either. Pencil is really slow going for me. Charcoal seems more like painting but pencil takes me a while.. There is a quote of sargent's I read online where he says, "If only one had oneself under perfect control, one could always paint a thing, finally in one sitting. Not that you are to attempt this. If you work on a head for a week without indicating the features you will have learnt something about the modeling of the head." So the lack of features on your drawing isn't necessarily a bad thing!

Karine Monaco - Thanks so much Karine. I probably can't receive a higher compliment. That's definitely my goal with my portraits. Some view the multiple sessions with a model as an annoyance but I view it as a time to get to know them and inject their personality and "soul" into the painting. I also think you are right about having to focus more when in front of people. I guess you get your game face on when in front of others. I definitely had to concentrate a lot for this one.

Linda Brandon - Thanks so much! Cobalt violet is great isn't it! Just so expensive. I try to forget that it costs so much when I am painting or I would definitely be hindered by that fact. I really appreciate your kind words about the color as well. My wife was so hot due to the light next to her face that I said at one point, "All I can see in your face is red, red and more red!". I had to look hard for the color relationships. This was my first public demo so I accept your hate ;) . I realized that this would be a great way for people to become interested in your work...so perhaps I will do more demos.

I did have to talk to a lot of people but they were pretty interesting people so it was fun. In my studio I have a student and he watches me paint sometimes so I guess I'm used to talking and painting. I definitely have trouble with vocabulary while I'm painting heheh. Most of the time though if people asked in depth questions I would usually stop working and turn and talk to them. Thanks again for the kind words and encouragement.

Michele Rushworth - Thanks! Painting for the crowds is definitely an experience that's for sure. I was just hoping this wouldn't be an "off day" if you know what I mean hehe.

I like this painting a lot :thumbsup:

Jan Verhulst - Thanks!

For anyone who is interested here are some pictures from the event. I sent this out with my most recent newsletter but I thought you guys might be interested as well.

http://www.jonathanhardesty.com/news...pics/jonsdemo/

This is the closest I can get to progression pics. Sorry!

I always find photos of other artist's studios and demos fascinating. I particularly liked how you put the top easel clamp on upside down. That way the big wide ledge doesn't cast a shadow on the top of your painting. And propping that plastic box below the painting makes the lower edge of the canvas accessible too. Very clever! (Of course, it's a lovely painting, too!)

Thank you for sharing these. I enjoyed them very much.

Johnathan,

I just visited the website with the pictures. No wonder your model has such beautiful eyes in the painting. She's looking at you. I'd bet no other artist could obtain that look.

Nice job. Well done.

Jonathan, it looks like you had a great time and people really enjoyed your demo. Thanks for sharing!