Seated Nude Painting Self
 

This is a self-portrait from life. Any comments or suggestions are appreciated.

Very nicely done. (That's how we should all dress when we paint, too. Beats getting paint on our clothes.)

I agree. The painterly strokes are great, and I love the colors of the light. How big is it--30" x 24"? I'm guessing from the painting in the painting.

Alex

Thanks Michele. Yeah, it certainly helps keep paint off the clothes but I've discovered it's not that easy to get paint off the skin when I notice it the next morning.

Thanks Alex. The strokes are hard to see in these images. I'm finding it hard to get a good photo of this but the detail shots help a bit. The canvas is 20"x24". It might look closer to me than it is since it's position in perspective isn't all that clear.

Dave, have you ever tried working in natural light? If daylight is not available at the time and place you normally paint try these incredible bulbs: They're truly color balanced to 6500 Kelvin (daylight) and fit in a normal light bulb fixture (no need for a fluorescent fixture).

The bulbs are made by TCP and are product number 2894265K, available by special order at Home Depot, online at various places, or in Canada probably through Canadian Tire. (Thanks to Chris Saper last year for the recommendation. I've been using these bulbs in my studio ever since and they are incredible.)

Nice color and design!
 

Dave,

I love how you have created an interesting integrated compositional affinity between your seated self-figure and the angularity of your studio furnishings, both structurally and by color. The commendable surrounding design compliments your body imagery well, in your boldly executed self-portrait. How much time did you need on this? I really like the spontaneous appearance.

Garth

Well done, David! I imagine it'd be hard to hold that pose long enough to paint it . . . (hope you gave yourself lots of breaks :))

(Michele-- Thanks for the info on the bulbs... Can't seem to find them on-line, but will run down to Home Depot this weekend and see about special ordering them!)

Hi Michele,

Thanks for the info. I did a bit of searching around but couldn't find this particular product. How is it different from the blue-filter bulbs? I've been using Reveal bulbs which is certainly better than regular incandescent ones although if I can get something closer to 6500K that is reasonably bright that would be ideal. I went to Home Depot and picked up a Philips daylight bulb to see what this type is like.

Dave

I like this very much, David, but (since this is in critiques) I'm wondering if you could lose the roll of paper towels on the left side.

Have you tried working in daylight, or does your daily schedule not permit it?* I really believe that skin looks best in diffuse indoor daylight from a single high light source. Of course you might not believe in the concept of putting yourself in the best possible lighting condition, but when I paint a self portrait I sure give myself all the help I can get.
:)

Edit: I see Michelle has already asked you this question, sorry, I guess I missed it.