Dean and friend

Jean Kelly · 12-19-2002, 03:58 PM

This is my next commission. The photo that I'm using is a 7" x 5" with the actual figure only 3" high. Because of this, I've decided to try an impressionist style (which I find fun anyway). This attractive man is quite ill and unable to pose for a proper sitting, so I agreed to do it as pictured. To the people who love him this is characteristic of this man. Hopefully the stance, setting, and dog will give the overall impression of him. If anyone sees anything dreadfully wrong, please comment. You have been my safety net in the past, so if I take a dive, please catch me!

Jean

Jean Kelly · 12-19-2002, 04:01 PM

I've only just started this, its not a completed work.

Jean

Steven Sweeney · 12-19-2002, 06:51 PM

Just a single note here. I'd go easy on the light streaks in the dark shirt (or sweater or sweatshirt). They're breaking up that nice form, and they're also mimicking the light tree branches against the dark-woods background all around him. Think about working out the form of those fabric folds through hues (and temperature) rather than such dramatic value shifts.

Jean Kelly · 12-19-2002, 08:06 PM

Thanks, I'll tone it down.

Jean

Jean Kelly · 12-31-2002, 04:12 PM

I've been softening the colors, (influenced by Bouguereau) and still have a long way to go. To help get the features of his face better I'm doing a pastel study of his head from a larger picture. Much the same style as Tom in the Wind. I've picked up a magnifying tool called MagEyes that is worn on your head with different lenses inserted for varying degrees of magnification. This is helping my over 50 eyes.

I'll post the pastel as soon as it's closer to completion. Client may be coming over later today to view progress, so I've got to get moving. Haven't even washed my face yet.

Jean

Jeanine Jackson · 01-01-2003, 11:39 AM

They are going to love this!

What is the size of the painting?

Without knowing the subjects, I hesitate to comment. However, compositionally, I would think a darker dog (especially on shadow side and head) would say "fur" more clearly and direct all eyes toward the gentleman.

To capture character and gesture is one of our greatest goals. I think you have done this beautifully.

Jean Kelly · 01-01-2003, 02:19 PM

Oops, forgot to post size, etc. This is 28" x 22", oil on canvas. The golden is Dean's best friend and companion. His coloring can't be changed for the sake of composition. I also haven't worked much on him, no shadows or deepening of his beautiful golden coloring. So he should be incorporated into the design and enhance Dean better as this painting progresses.

Dean's wife is the one who commissioned this painting. She came yesterday to see the progress and first words were, "Oh, it's really Dean!" Her delight gave me chills, the hair on my arms stood up. I pray that this painting continues to capture him as it comes together.

Today I get to paint or draw to my heart's content. Football games galore and leftovers (shrimp and steak) for hubby. Heaven is back!

Jean

Jean Kelly · 01-03-2003, 05:26 PM

I've done more work on the Golden, took reference photos of hands yesterday so I can solidify Dean's hands. I'm still softening all over and deepening shadows. I'll be working on his face soon.

Jean

Jeanine Jackson · 01-03-2003, 06:16 PM

Take care to note source of light when deepening gold tones on dog.

Jean Kelly · 01-06-2003, 06:38 PM

Well, he's getting his face. I'm still softening the background, and filling it in more. I felt there was too much "noise". Getting a face this small is very difficult. If "faced" with this again I think I'll pass!

Jeannine, the golden's coloring is light in front and dark toward the back, also it appears that a shadow runs up his spine as a continuation from the ground. This seems to create a reverse of light and dark just along his spine. Does this make sense?

Well, back to work.

Jean