Polo Practice
 

Thank you all for help with this commission in the Critique section. It will be a surprise unveiling at a Valentine Vernissage February 7 (gift from wife to husband in portrait).

40" x 34" Oil on Linen.

Bravo Jeanine,

A surprise unveiling! My heart would be thumping out of my chest. Sounds very exciting.

Nervous now!
 

Hey, Mike!

Since the client (his wife) already loves the portrait, paid for it, and is having it framed, I wasn't really nervous about the unveiling. Now that you mention it, it could still be a disaster if he hates it!

Wish me luck!

Head Detail
 

Detail below.

Beautiful modeling of the features, and a beautiful light falling across his face.

Varnish
 

Thank you, Mari!

I see in the post the notable line from retouch varnish then working into his right cheek. This should even out when the whole thing get retouch-varished next week.

Photographing this while still wet is challenging. It comes together better in person.

Jeanine,

You have done a lovely job on this painting, and there is nothing to be nervous about.

If you will varnish before the unveiling, why don't you consider GamVar? The painting only needs to be dry to the feel, and it doesn't look like lots of impasto) and it will provide a final varnish and, I think, look nicer then retouch. My experience (yes, the desert is REALLY dry) is that the GamVar is dry in about 4 days max.

Varnish
 

I shall pick up some GamVar tomorrow.

Thank you for your comments, Chris!

Congrats Jeannine
 

You've worked long and hard on this one. Do you get an emotional response (loss and sadness) when you have to give up one that you've been really involved in? I really like the way the figure came out, he looks like what he is. Especially the light, and facial modeling. Have a good time at the unveiling!

Jean

Separation Anxiety
 

Thank you Jean, for your kind comments.

Yes, I do feel a bit like a surrogate mother.

My husband holds me close while I make my farewells to a painting. It is comforting to know that "Polo Practice" will be going to a good home.

Jeanine,

The painting looks very nice and I also wanted to congratulate you to a job well done.

I am thrilled to see how you were able to really push the background back. Some of us really didn't care for the pitcher, since it was so distracting. Now even though it is still there, it has become barely noticeable. In my opinion, you successfully handled making a background less obstrusive. Good for you!

Jeanine, I love it even more with the close up you have posted! Wonderful, wonderful!

I am hoping there is a thread on the GamVar varnish elsewhere, I'll perform a search, if not - hint!

Elizabeth,

I copied this from another thread I know not where:

"Why bother. Why use a varnish that is so problematic to remove, jeopardizing the underlying paint layers, not to mention exposure to a highly toxic thinner turpentine. Damar varnish is about as relevant as outdoor plumbing these days.

Gamblin makes a varnish called Gamvar (gaining high praise from conservators world wide) which can be more easily removed using much less toxic Gamsol (mineral spirits.)

The great traditions of Western Art are certainly worthy of being sustained. The use of Damar varnish isn't one of them!"

Marvin Mattleson 8-7-02

GamVar
 

Clear as water, the best. Make sure you don't buy it the day you need it. It is dry crystals that have to be shaken for about 24 hours. Get only as much as you need. Most painters are apparently unaware that varnish has a shelf life of only about 6 months.

Good Luck with the Vernissage! Ralph looks great!

Sincerely,

PS. For Beth, GamVar is made by Gamblin paints

THIS IS YOUR BEST!
 

Jeanine,

Beautiful! This piece is alive! I watch and wait for him to blink or get up and dust himself off. You've really captured a sliver in time, and you did such a wonderful job adding life with the background.

Congratulations!

Jeanine,

This is a wonderful painting and the husband ought to be very happy. I've been watching your progress on it, thanks for sharing your train of thought.

Congratulations on a fine job!

Best wishes,
Linda

Congratulations
 

Jeanine,

This piece came out nicely. Congratulations.

Regards,

:thumbsup: Jeanine

I am not pro such as yourself but nonetheless have watched your progress on this and I too agree that the handling of the background is fantastic. This is a very lucky man to receive it from you.