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Copies
I loathe doing copies of previously painted or drawn portraits. Ugh! I don't mind doing studies, but I find after I do one portrait, I want to move on to something unique. I don't mind doing the same person in a different pose, but, oh how I dread it when someone says, How much for TWO paintings, one for me and one for my mother?
I too, love the face. Clothing and backgrounds are also a struggle for me and I have a hard time with them, unless there is some interesting detail involved.
I also hate returning to a portrait that I think is "finished" with tweaks. I'm afraid I'll ruin it or paint the life out of it, but mostly I have already mentally moved on to another piece.
I have made myself wait on photo shoots until just before I begin a painting so that I am excited about the work. If I start with reference photos too far out, I'll forget the feelings of anticipation and begin to dread it like doing the laundry.
For years I would take a hobby I loved and turn it into a profession. The second I HAD to perform a task, it then became drudgery. I refuse to allow that to happen with portraiture. Taking some time off (a couple of days to weeks) after particularly intricate or involved pieces is often required to renew my spirit.
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