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Sandy Barnes · 04-02-2002, 06:49 PM

Joan - I'm glad to see that someone else shares my paranoid dilusions..LOL Funny, but I have done both suggestions of Mike and Steven. First, I am painting my early works on canvas paper (Canson is nice) as I am new to portrait painting -- (Humans that is, a long-time animal painter has broadened her horizons) Some time ago I set my little "studio" in the den. Every time I pass it I get a fresh "eye" and find something that doesn't look quite right. Also, I am more apt to paint than watch TV in the evening. I often keep it on for background noise, but once I start working I don't hear anything.
I run a full time business (I'm a diamond appraiser) but my passion is painting. I get up at about 5 each morning and paint until 7ish. Evenings are also good for me. Sadly, there isn't much north daylight during those hours. I think about painting (people) all of the time. Now I'm actually doing it. The fear of failing has been my bane, and with portraiture capturing a likeness (or not)is my first stumbling block. My drawing skills are good, it's applying the paint (taht obliterates the features) that bothers me. I would never think twice about beginning a painting of a dog or a horse, but then most golden retrievers look alike. So apart from a few minor distinctions such as coloring, if you've painted one you've painted 'em all. Next, I've always been an ala prima painter and my first atempt with a portrait was a dismal failure. (Yes, I have only painted one portriat) I am currently working on an underpainting that I will try the glaze tecnique. (Karin Wells, you are becoming sleepy.., very sleepy -- as she swings a pendulum -- you will make a video...) Anyhow, I figure every picture is a "lesson", even without the luxury of formal training I will eventually "get it" Hey, I learned how to paint dogs and horses..
Good luck to you Joan. I look forward to read more of your posts.

04-02-2002, 06:49 PM	#8
Sandy Barnes Associate Member Joined: Mar 2002 Location: Tampa Bay, FL Posts: 99	Finding Time Joan - I'm glad to see that someone else shares my paranoid dilusions..LOL Funny, but I have done both suggestions of Mike and Steven. First, I am painting my early works on canvas paper (Canson is nice) as I am new to portrait painting -- (Humans that is, a long-time animal painter has broadened her horizons) Some time ago I set my little "studio" in the den. Every time I pass it I get a fresh "eye" and find something that doesn't look quite right. Also, I am more apt to paint than watch TV in the evening. I often keep it on for background noise, but once I start working I don't hear anything. I run a full time business (I'm a diamond appraiser) but my passion is painting. I get up at about 5 each morning and paint until 7ish. Evenings are also good for me. Sadly, there isn't much north daylight during those hours. I think about painting (people) all of the time. Now I'm actually doing it. The fear of failing has been my bane, and with portraiture capturing a likeness (or not)is my first stumbling block. My drawing skills are good, it's applying the paint (taht obliterates the features) that bothers me. I would never think twice about beginning a painting of a dog or a horse, but then most golden retrievers look alike. So apart from a few minor distinctions such as coloring, if you've painted one you've painted 'em all. Next, I've always been an ala prima painter and my first atempt with a portrait was a dismal failure. (Yes, I have only painted one portriat) I am currently working on an underpainting that I will try the glaze tecnique. (Karin Wells, you are becoming sleepy.., very sleepy -- as she swings a pendulum -- you will make a video...) Anyhow, I figure every picture is a "lesson", even without the luxury of formal training I will eventually "get it" Hey, I learned how to paint dogs and horses.. Good luck to you Joan. I look forward to read more of your posts.