Portrait of Young Woman
 

Hi, I had this going on in the "WIP" section, and would like to thank everyone for their comments and advice. Here's the newer finished version. I worked a bit on the arm and softened the edges compared to the last pic posted in the "WIP" thread. This one ended up tighter than the previous ones, which I was a bit disappointed by, I thought I was working loose as I was doing it.

I try to keep my mind clear, but I guess when thinking of purposely working loose, I did'nt. I tell myself not to, but these thoughts I tend to "keep in mind". "Don't over work", "know I still struggle" "more energy". Seems like it can't be avoided, but thinking is my biggest downfall.

I overworked the shirt and actually lost tooth. The top layers in certain areas of the shirt are sitting there, not in the tooth. I mainly struggled with the shirt, but the skin tones were'nt too bad this time. Then the whole time working, I really thought I was loose and energetic, but was much tighter than anticipated. Oh well, I have to NOT try so hard for the next one.

The final size is 19x24", done on 'Belgium Mist' Wallis paper mounted on board. Thanks for looking.

Another winner Jimmie!
In the full image view it might look a bit tighter than you usually work... but still seems fairly loose in the close-ups? Love the attitude and that hand! :thumbsup:

This is wonderful Jimmie! It is a beautiful finish! I really enjoyed watching this develop in the Work In Progress section. I love her pose and the way you handled her hands and expression is just great. I still see quite a bit of looseness and energy so I hope you won't stay too disappointed with that aspect.

As I look at this piece as with some of your others I always wonder about your subject. Her expression in this has so much attitude I wonder if this is a familiar look for her or is she really quick to smile and laugh and you just caught her in this moment. I think you are very accomplished in this aspect of all your drawings and pastels. I always hope to achieve that kind of pondering in my paintings.

Congratulations on a Wonderful piece!
Julie
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Jimmie,

When you posted this piece in Works in Progress I was immediately attracted to it. I love the expression. She looks smart, challenging, and introspective. I think the finished piece is wonderful. The lighting has just the right degree of drama and you made something so unique out of the pose and turn of her head.

Alex

Beautiful painting Jimmie
 

Jimmie,

I haven't been here in awhile and haven't even see the WIP of this but let me tell you - this is great. The planes of her face are executed so well. I love the way the part around her mouth (can't think of what it's called if it's called anything...) protrudes - very subtle color and value changes. I thought this was oils until I read further.

Great to see your work too - I love the dramatic color and the head is turning so well.

Your fan,

Denise

Spectacular!
 

Jimmie,

I have watched with rapt attention your foray into pastels and am newly amazed by each piece you execute. Wow. I can't wait to see your next work! :)

I am totally impressed with your claim to have filled the tooth of your Wallis paper, too! The first person I know of to have accomplished that feat. ;)

Well done again Jimmie,

Beautiful solid drawing of the head especially. And the background helps to emphasize the form of the head.

Two colors also.......... Blue and Brown..... :thumbsup:

I am sure that you could loosen up a bit and show another side of your talent. Would like to see it.

Allan

Beautiful, beautiful face, Jimmie.
WOW !!

Thanks all,

The close-ups do look a bit looser, I agree, but I'm comparing the overall picture to the last pastel I did which I am happier with the application. I would like to do more with the next one.

She's much different in person, always smiling, very sweet. As soon as she posed, I asked no smile, and this is what I got. I thought it was perfect.

I went a few layers with just the first version of the shirt. Then, a few more when I tried toning it down with gray. Necklace was covered, more layers. Different necklace also covered, more layers with brighter blues after receiving my set of Unisons. Lastly, added oranges in the shirt, then covered again. I don't even know what layer I'm up to, but Wallis claims to hold 25 layers and I definitely surpassed that!

Ha, I'd like to see it also. :bewildere

Well from the Queen of Tight this sure looks loose from my perspective (they need ot put up a little tight smiley icon for me-maybe buns or something)! I only dream of painting this loosely. I love it, Jimmie. You are such a talent. Sometimes paintings end up the way they are supposed to end up as I believe this one did. Looser is maybe more a process (which you said you had) than an end result. Whatever happened it sure did work out!

So very stunning, Jimmie. I love the value changes, the way you formed every curve, right down to the planes of the nostrils!! And the color is so rich. I know nothing about pastels, it is great mystery to me. But I love this painting, Jimmie.

Enter some more contests - she's a winner for sure!!!

Jimmie,

I already said I thought this was stunning, but wanted to comment on the loose vs. tight thing.

I dont know about you, but who or what I am painting affects that. And the mood Im in, the phase of the moon, whether Im hungry or full...etc. Go with the flow, maybe this one was supposed to be tighter. I think that your right, if you concentrate on working one way - it never comes out exactly as planned. As much planning as we put into our work - a lot of it is still just natural instinct and talent. Fighting our natural talents is a waste of time. Be free, I say! Whatever way you work - it's always outstanding.

Jimmie,

Sorry I missed the WIP, must slap myself.... This is just stunning!

Actually I think the tighter style works really well in this particular piece. Your previous works are free and relaxing but this one is different, well different in a good way. You captured the atmosphere and the intensity of her gaze, it shows a lot of attitude!

IMHO, I don't think "loose" is better than "tight" or "tight" is better than "loose" , they convey different feelings and tell different stories. I love seeing and experimenting with both.

It's always a pleasure to see your work! I better go and get started on my pastel now.

Thanks for all the new replies.

I agree that one style is not better than the other, as long as it works. I personally would like to continue to work in a looser style. The majority of the artsits that I admire work in a looser manner, such as Degas, Egon Schiele, Picasso's blue and rose period, and my favorite Gustav Klimt. Believe it or not this is one of my favorite paintings at the Met. It's by Vuillard. It's something I would love to apply to my work.

I was a huge fan of Ingres's paintings along with other realists when I was in college. I was close-minded about it, which was silly of me. I airbrushed for many years trying to get as realistic as possible. I realized it was backfiring when people thought I was manipulating photos. I was contacted by two computer imaging magazines about interviews regarding the programs and techniques I used for my work. I told them it was done by hand, and did'nt hear from them again.

After taking about 5-6 years off from art completely (biggest mistake of my life) I was drawn to the impressionists and looser work. Although I never cared for landscapes, I also became a fan of Turner. I then tried working in the looser manner with the drawings and wish to apply it to the pastels. I have no interest in working a photorealistic manner (not sure if I could anymore anyway, may have taken too much time away) but the looser I can get, while keeping true to myself, is something I would like to strive for.

It's simply my opinion, in no way am I trying to imply that my thoughts are correct and am using this to prove myself. I also enjoy looking at more realistic work, but it's no longer a style I'd like to work in. I may turn back to it as I get older, ya never know. Life's funny that way.

Thanks for listening to my rantings.

Jimmie,

Your rantings are always interesting. Combined with your skill and commitment to excellence, they are even more valuable. Keep them coming.

Janet

I've been lurking, watching the WIP and this thread. This and the work on your website are great... I enjoy the attitude that they all have. They all look like they could be an old friend.