Another monochrome
 

This is another monochromatic wash-in of the same model I did a few weeks ago. Same pose, different point of view. This one is a better likeness of her, for what it's worth . . . :)

I am really loving painting from life!

Molly! This is very, very nice. You really caught something in her expression, I think. I'm so glad you are enjoying working from life. It is such an energizing experience.

Beautiful!

Thank you!
 

Alex and Marina, I'm sorry it took me so long to respond to your kind posts.
It's so gratifying to work from life and as I practice, I learn to see things that are just not possible to see when working exclusively from photos.

I can't believe how intimidated I felt at first when working from life. I'm so glad I took the plunge! Thank you so much for your encouragement. :sunnysmil

Keep it up!
 

Molly,

This is terrific! Your own personal sensitivity comes through. You will be surprised how this will add to your confidence and how fast you will improve.

I felt the same way. I was so attached to my photography, I got rather good at it and was asked to do weddings. I was AFRAID to work from life, but decided to take the plunge as you have said. I came across a picture of one of my early attempts, yours looks like the Mona Lisa in comparison.

I know what a difference life work has made for me. The photos look like old dead things to me now. I won't go back.

Beautiful, Molly. Great values, great drawing!!

Oh my!
 

Belated thanks to you, Sharon and Patty. I have been on my computer very little lately and didn't notice the new posts here.

I am SO grateful that I followed everyone's advice and have spent time not only working from life but also getting fine instruction. This forum is, as always, a veritable fount of priceless information, but nothing quite equals time in class with excellent teachers. I have been very fortunate to have been able to attend both a workshop of Chris Saper's and also two whole semesters with Marvin Mattelson at the School of Visual Arts in NYC.

I am encouraged by my progress in monochromatic studies to try my hand again with full color. I am currently working on a portrait of my lovely daughter that I hope to be able to share soon. :)

Thanks again, everyone!

Molly,

Keep this up! In most Open Studio sessions you get three tiny, little, short, miniscule hours - so you have to pick and choose what you want to work on: values, color, likeness, surface. (I usually - but not always - tend to go for values.)

Portraits can't be painted in three hours (well for most of us mortals) nor should they.