Too much information?
 

After learning so many great tips here, I am attempting a portrait using a fairly good reference photo, rather than the horrible ones I usually have. It's just for me, not a commission and not for my portfolio necessarily.

I am finding it harder than before to get this one right. First it was the skin color, shadows, etc. that were all wrong, then when I felt I was fairly close I see the likeness of the person was compromised. That has never been a problem before. I still haven't gotten it yet. I'm becoming very frustrated.

I've always just painted, not really paid any attention to how. When I did learn it was from videos and it was easy to apply. Now, I'm reading tips and trying to keep it all in mind and it is bogging me down I think.

I'm hoping that it is more difficult because my standards have gone up and in the end it will be one of my best.

One of the problems of people who think they are learning something from this forum is that you get the information in bits and pieces, written on a computer screen instead of shown in real life and the information can be very contradictory. There often is no consistency.

The forum is not a teacher, just a source of information.

Peter

I am one of the many people who have learned a lot from this forum, and it has shown in my work.

For an example of how bad I was two years ago, look at the the very first submission in the critique sections, the portrait of the older man. Then compare that with the face of the teenage boy in the portrait of the two figures on the stairs, on my website, which I feel is the best I have done to date. All the knowledge I used to paint that teenager's portrait was learned on this forum. I still have miles and miles to go, of course, and I expect to never stop learning and trying new things.

I know what you mean about it all seeming overwhelming at some times. You're probably feeling this way because you are growing and changing and improving.

You may want to try concentrating on one thing for each portrait you do. For one portrait, concentrate on nailing the drawing perfectly. For the next portrait, focus on values. For the one after that, concentrate on color temperatures. Then work on edges, etc. It is sometimes too much to try and implement all at the same time!

Kim, I think you have answered your own question.

Michele, my experience has been much the same.

Thanks, Michele and Mike. It makes all this hard work worthwhile for me and the moderators!

Michele,

Thank you, that may be just the answer..one thing at a time. The hard part is now that I am more aware of more, how can I concentrate on say, value...and then step back, notice the edges and not try to nail those as well? I wiped out that face mentioned above today and will start over. I need to be more patient. I guess I'm just suprised at hard it seems. I've usually learned things quickly. The point Peter makes is valid - there is so much information here, but it isn't a video so it may be harder to ingest and apply. Seeing someone actually make the brush stroke is clearer than seeing a before and after photo.

Cynthia, thank you. The biggest thing I have learned here so far is how to see problems I did not notice before. I guess my standards are higher. Which means I expect more from myself - which is the source of this present frustration.

There is a certain amount of, not exactly 'competitive spirit', but at least a desire not to be humiliated here. This is a good thing for me personally. I like it because I can feel that pushing me towards improvement.

I find that the more I know, the more I realize what I don't know!

How frustrating! We get better, but our self-esteem goes down.

After a visit from a friend who has an over-exaggerated ego about her looks, my husband asked "wouldn't you rather I tell you the truth if those pants make your rear look big?" My answer was "No! I'd rather be unrealistically confident and happy with myself!" In the case of painting though, it's different. After all, I can improve my painting, my rear is mom's fault.

Michele,

I tried to find your first post and could not. I wanted to see the extent of improvement. I tried listing the oil critiques from the begining by the starter?

One step at a time
 

Kimberly,

I developed a plan for myself after reading hundreds of posts on the how-tos of everything. Each exercise I did had a specific purpose. A limited palette in one, toned canvas in another, edges, drawing from life, conte crayon, warm and cool color and where to put it, and on and on.

I've had some failures and some successes, but in every case I learned something important. If you take one thing at a time you will build a pyramid of knowledge that grows and grows.

Like Michele, I believe that a "self directed" student can learn an immense amount on a forum like this (and this is the best). You won't get the superficial wows, but with your patience and hard work you will get as much out as you put in. So chill out and put your nose to the grindstone, DaVinci had to learn too. ;)

Jean

Jean is also one of those whose work has improved tremendously since she's been on the Forum!

Here's the first portrait I completed for critique, and the one of the teen I was referring to. These paintings are two years apart in time. Everything I learned in those two years I owe to this forum.

Wow, Michele, this is an amazing comparison, and amazing progress.

Kim--

Oil painting is hard, and the longer I paint, the harder it gets. Richard Schmid has remarked that when you become a painter, you take on something that can never be mastered. But that's no reason not to try. He also remarks that the solution many times is not to speed up, but to slow down. I've found my speed has increased slowly but naturally, as I have to repaint things less often because I get them right sooner now.

As to being easily satisfied in your work--it's simply death. You need a healthy dissatisfaction with everything you paint. Note the operative word here is "healthy." It's a highwire balance between self-confidence and relentless objectivity with oneself.

But again, if it were easy, there'd be no museums.

Back to work. Me too.

Best--TE

Wow, Michele! You should be pleased and proud!

I owe my progress to the artists who so generously contribute their time and wisdom to this forum, but mostly to you, Cynthia, without whom I wouldn't have this career that I love so much!

Sure that boy
should make
someone
sleepless in
Seattle!

Hmmmm. What will Beth be posting two years from now? (Give me four years)

Michelle,

I've re-visited the above post a few times since you posted it, and I'm just so inspired!

I've been drawing nearly every day, and I have so much farther to go, but when I see someone whose work has made quantum leaps, I keep the faith.

I mentioned Beth above. She's another one who's going places. Her energy is infectious. She's gaining the respect of the pros on this board, and it's an uphill battle. I'm glad there's a group of artists who won't let us get away with low standards.

I feel like I can't post my work here until I've made some significant strides, and I'll get there.

I'm delighted for you, and I hope your prices have gone up to match your quality. :)

Leaps and bounds
 

Kim, as you can see, great leaps can be made. Michele, your progress is inspiring! And thank you for the compliment.

I also wish I could fly over the little steps, but 2 years isn't much time in the long run.

Jean

Thank you all for the kind comments. I'm happy with what I've accomplished but I have so much farther to go!

Just so you know, here's what I've done over those two years. It wasn't a cake-walk. I've spent about 4 hours almost every weekday at the easel, painting. I've spent another two hours a day, on average, marketing my work (making business cards, figuring out how to reach clients, etc).

I've spent an average of another hour or two a day reading (SOG posts, books and websites recommended by SOG artists, etc). I also attended an ASOPA conference in New York and Bill Whitaker's workshop in Phoenix, both at the recommendation of SOG artists. I bought and studied Peggy Baumgaertner's set of videos. I bought and studied Chris Saper's book among others.

I typically put in 30 hours a week -- I keep track -- on this fledgling business of mine. I also have two small kids at home, otherwise I'd have been at this 80 hours a week.

So it was two years of what I consider rather intensive study. I only wish I had more time!

Looking forward to see your new work Jeff, I like the other drawings you posted. Please post if you wish.

Peter

Michele -

Thank you so much for posting those. The difference is so incredible! I am very impressed. How inspiring. This is just what I needed to see...how did you know?

Tom, Jean & everyone,

Thank you for all the comments. It is nice to hear that it is sometimes hard for others too.

This has been really great, I'd like to see more of these before & after's from other artists here. It is so clear & riveting the improvements, very uplifting. We all want to think we can improve & learn, not just rely on whatever small amount of talent we were born with.

I just received Chris Saper's book in the mail today. (Cynthia, I ordered it from SOG by the way). I've only looked at the paintings in it so far, I'm looking forward to getting down and really studying it.

Kimberly, I for one wasn't born with any talent, in my opinion. What I was born with was a strong interest that kept me learning.

During the opening lecture in an organic chemistry class, one of my college professors looked out at the amphitheater of students and said,

Have you ever read through a book or magazine that you were interested in, only to put it down, pick it back up months later and say to yourself "it

Mike,

I think you are all over it! Maturity only comes with time/experience. How many times have I said to my 17 year old son,"I know you don't understand what I'm telling you now, but one day you will."And then he grows up and one day he will say,"Now I see it. It so obvious. Why couldn't I see it that way before?"

There's an old saying: "When the student is ready the teacher appears."

It's a little different in our household. When our student is ready, the out-of-state college tuition bill appears.

I'm ready. I'm READY!

So, when are you all arriving? I'll buy the pizza & beer!

Kim, you go girl!

Michele that little boy is awesome. Steven I am not sure if I told you it is nice to have you home safely. And Jeff, thank you.