Crystal
 

16x20 oil on New Traditions linen panel mounted on gatorfoam.

I was experimenting with a new support, a new medium (Maroger's) and I was attempting to stay loose. I was also working from a black and white reference photo given to me by an amateur photographer. I did have a color reference, but a different angle. I was inspired by all the great nudes I've seen posted here and wanted to try my hand at it for the first time since college really. I've found a model and will be using her soon - so this was my warm-up.

I'd say you are warm!

This is nice! I can't wait to see what you do from life. I know it will be great!

Thanks ladies!

Pat, I'm glad you know it will be great, since I am never sure. :o

Warm up?

I hope it does'nt make you feel bad if I think this is my favorite of yours? Could be from working loose or a higher contrast in this compared previously posted work. Either way, very nicely done, good luck with the new materials.

OK, just came back from your site, and I believe it has to do with either the way your taking or editing your pictures which makes this one more saturated and have more contrast than usual. Still my new favorite of yours. :)

Jimmie, I'll tell you - the reference photo as I said above wasnt mine. I dont usually have light that contrasty on my models. That may explain the difference in what you are seeing...not sure though. I photographed it the same as all my others and didnt do any manipulation to the image at all except cropping.

Thanks for the compliment though. You just like the belly button ring - I know you. ;)

Kim, this is gorgeous, love the whole mood of the piece!

(But if you ever run into this model in person, please FEED her!! ;) )

Hi Kim, I like this very much. These new materials like you; she looks liquid and luminous. I agree about the food though!

Jean

Thanks Terri & Jean!

I'll bake her some brownies. ;)

Kim, I really like this painting and the way you have painted this. You seem to be using different color choices than in your other work, is it because you had a black and white photo reference for this one?

I love the subtle background and how you've managed the long curly hair.

Tell me if you like the Maroger!

Thanks Linda - yes the skin is different in color than I usually do. I used a lot more cools and grays. I think it is because it was black and white. I did have a color reference...and it was fairly cool.

I like the Maroger's. I used it on this linen panel and it's glossier than I expected. I am also using it on cotton canvas and its a nice even sheen. I am also using it on a gessopanel - and so far I can't tell as I just started and even though I tried sealing it the first layer still sunk in a bit, so it has no sheen at all so far. It makes the paint wonderful to handle though - that's my favorite part so far.

Medium Choice
 

Hi Kimberley,

It looks like a lovely portrait. I am interested in the Maroger's medium you used. I have been using it with some success. I can see a reflection on the surface of your painting. I haven't been able to get that nice gloss to stay. Once it dries it goes matte on me, or even worse shine and matte. Are you using another medium in addition to the Maroger's? Is there any chance this painting was wet when you photographed it?

Thanks,
Lara

Lara,

It was just the marogers on this one. I think it was wet when I photographed it, but I just looked and it is still very glossy. Of course- it has retouch on it now as well. I dont think there is any way to keep the sheen completely even. Using it the exact same percentage in each paint glob will help - but different colors have different amounts of oil in them that will effect it... I'd say it's pretty darn even on this one though. I took Bill Whitaker's advice when I started this and used around 25% marogers to 75% paint. I think the manufacturer only recommends 10% though. I will give no advice on this issue, however - it's a controversial one apparently and I am no expert!

Kimberly,

What a beautiful piece! But then again I do like all your work. You have really inspired me to do some figurative work . There is such an air of mystery about this girl and how you have painted her. Every time I look at this I have a different story about who she is and what she might be thinking. In other words, it really engages the viewer.

Cynthia

Thank you Cynthia - I appreciate it!