New, Very Large Challenge
 

On a canvas 40 x 60, this portrait became quite a new challenge. WORKING LARGER than ever before. Paint brushes the sizes that Gulliver would have used were purchased and the span of white canvas intimidating until it was covered with paint....and ....... of course, so was my computer, printer and many other objects at this end of my studio. More photos to follow and comments so very welcome.

Carol,

I think you may really enjoy working large. I love it. I typically work 30x40 or larger. My current project is 30x56. A very small painting for me is 20x24.

Like you I find that paint gets everywhere. I think it is the result of larger brushes and heavier paint loads coupled with a more dynamic style as one works to cover a larger area. it is not in my nature to have slow stokes so I just allow a little extra time for area cleanup. I do like a clean work space.

Looking forward to pictures of the WIP.

Thanks
 

Richard, you may not know how kind your response was. Your encouragement was so appreciated. I am struggling with posting the painting from my new Mac. Expecting the photo of the painting to be a part of the thread, imagine my chagrin when the post appeared WITHOUT the painting!

There is a second and equally gigantic portrait due of the same gentleman in all of his auto racing regalia. Felt better about the first one after the canvas had some paint on it, so my next step (besides designing the collage of man and his various cars over the years) is to do something I KNOW I can do. KISS. I tell myself to "Keep It Simple...Sweetheart." TONE THE CANVAS!!!

I DO appreciate your encouragement and I will continue to work on posting the painting. Had very little trouble the first and last time I posted from this new computer and the new iPhoto and Photoshop Elements , but this time....duhhhhh. No idea why it didn't work.

Carol, this is a wonderful piece, fresh and painterly, with gorgeous color.

Carol, this is terribly exciting! It's all action and the size fits the subject. You must be having loads of fun with the brushes and paint!

My one caution would be to check the figure for distortion. It looks as though he is leaning toward the camera in the reference photo. (I am assuming this is from a photo.) Not only that, his right (farther away) arm is extended back in space. His legs, also, seem slightly foreshortened. His left (nearer) arm looks elongated. I would try to adjust these proportions.

This is going to be terrific!

Photo distortions
 

Alexandra, thank your for all your suggestions. The painting has been delivered as the man in front of the canvas with me drove to Arizona from California to take it home last weekend. The photo reference was one of those TINY 2 inch figures plus a photo that I had taken of his head, so right you are - distortions abounded.

The next painting for this gentleman is also a 40 x 60, but a collage featuring him in a fire suit surrounded with his race cars and race track atmosphere, such as grandstands or whatever fits the design. Proportion logical to the design is difficult right at this stage. Have been playing with shapes, moving them around, etc. At least the figure is facing forward, making it difficult to distort as there isn't much action there.

Thank you for all your perceptions. I will print them out and be aware of them in this next one.

Carol, I just spotted this - I love the fresh and expressive brushwork in this painting. Working large should end up as your new direction!

Collage challenge
 

Thanks A LOT, Linda! (That's my sarcastic sense of humor showing!) The newest, latest same size ( 40 x 60 ) commission is an even LARGER challenge. The painting is to contain the same man, dressed in a fire suit and include some special race cars (yes, and a dog) all composed into a collage. Arghhhhhh! Any suggestions for compositions would be greatly appreciated. Jamie Lee McMahan's site has been helpful as he has a lovely (post humous) painting that is very effective. I have multiple photos to select from, which is helpful, but I am just looking for examples of strong designs for ideas. I love challenges.....but.........