Annie (Oil Commission)
 

This is the final version of the plein air portrait that I posted in the Open Studio thread.

I started over on the commissioned canvas (28" x 28") for this version, using several reference photos. I took the canvas outside to complete the background and bench plein air, thus insuring that the value of the background foliage wasn't as dark as it appeared in the photo.

This is one of the few times I've worked half-life/half-photo within the same painting and I liked this method very much.

Here's the post
 

I'll try this again.

Very nice, Linda. The play of light and shadow on the many surfaces (I'm looking at the arm of the bench, her left leg, her right wrist and forearm, the lightest lights in her hair and on her face, the bench seat on our right) is just that -- playful -- and very descriptive of the setting in "just right" placement and proportion. I also like the way you let that light play continue on selected leaves in the foliage behind her.

Linda,

Very nice composition and the play of light makes you want to linger. I would love to see this in person.

Beautiful, Linda.

Once again I'm reminded of the goal of portraiture: emotional presence.

Linda,

Very nice job, cool and atmospheric. Very restful and inviting.

Peggy

Tranquility
 

Linda, this makes me feel "calm" just to look at it. Do you have any details you can post? I love to look at the strokes from the pros.

Jean

Steven, Mike, Mari, Peggy and Jean,

Thank you all for your kind remarks, which are very much appreciated.

I'm posting a closeup view. I'm still struggling a little with my digital camera; these images look more orange and blurrier than the actual painting. I'm shooting outdoors in full sun and there are some sparkles from the paint ridges. (I think this effect is more pronounced when I use Liquin, which I used in this painting.)

I know I can filter this out with some of the dials on my camera, and I should really knuckle down and learn how to do this, but I'm goofing off this week. I'm going to see "The Two Towers" for the second time; just watching Legolas get on his horse is worth the price of admission.

Linda, you might find that photographing your artwork outside but in the shade gives you better results, especially with glare. I photograph my paintings indoors facing a north light window and that seems to work well for me, too.

I'm going to see The Two Towers in a couple of days also. I'll be watching intently for Legolas and his horse!

Linda, this is wonderful!

Everything works beautifully, and I love the square format, and the division of space.

I hope to get to see it before there is only your bench left to view!