I have begun scheduling open studio sessions in my studio ( I'm the only painter) in tuning up for a live demo I will give this May at the Portrait Society of America meeting in Dallas.
In the past number of years - actually since I began studying with Bill Whitaker, I find that my paintings take about twice the amount of time that they used to take. I think they are better, but they are slower. It so so difficult for me to get to the few community open studios that I invite sitters to come to me. They bring a toned canvas and they go home with it. No guarantees, in fact the only guarantee is that the painting will end up a quick sketch, and most likely unsuitable as a commission piece.
In two -three hours, I have barely enough time to plot out the beginnings of a likeness, let alone a full painting. OR I have time to develop the skin tones and color harmonies, but not the kind of likeness I'd like. Sigh.
My students come to sit, and I already adore them, so it's nice to have the interaction. I set up a viewing mirror so they can watch as I work.
This is Christine 20 x 16. Christine is not only an excellent draftsman, but a beautiful model and lovely person. The likeness is weak but we still had fun. Well, I had fun because I was doing the coloring.
