Clayton's head studies Joanna and Mirka
 

These are some studies I did a few years back and am studying my studies. What I mean is that I am trying to understand, with a few years of maturity behind me, if I would have or could have done things differently to better effect. I try to study my own work as I would any other painter's work where I am trying to get into the head of the artist. It is an interesting experiment. I recommend trying it and be honest. Point up your good points as well as not so good ones. If you don't recognize what you've done well, you may loose it and not be able to repeat it. Always nice to have tools in your box that you know will work well for you in a pinch, especially when working from life.

Wow, that first one! Do you remember what you had on your palette for the reds and the darks in her hair?

Garth

This is my general palette.

Titanium (or) Titanium/Zinc White
Cadmium Lemon
Cadmium Yellow
Yellow Ochre Pale
Cadmium Red
Terra Rosa (or) Venetian Red
Transparent Oxide Red (Rembrandt)
Permanent Alizarin (Gamblin)
Ivory Black
Viridian (Rembrandt)
Cobalt Blue Light (Rembrandt)
Ultramarine Blue Deep


The reds in the background are Permanent Alizarin and Cadmium Red (Medium). The darks in the hair are most likely combinations of Transparent Oxide Red, Permanent Alizarin and perhaps Viridian or Ivory Black.

Thanks Clayton,

That's about what I suspected you were using, something mixed with Alizarin; it seemed to have more chromatic affinity with the red drape than plain Ivory Black could. It works well. Have you ever used Vasari Alizarin? That's my favorite for it's richness and depth, it really mimics Rose Madder Genuine (but I'm going off topic).

Anyway thanks again for sharing your palette, and these studies.

Garth

No, I haven't tried that but I will. Thanks.

Beautiful works. I also like your reds.