Lucky shot

Ilaria Rosselli Del Turco · 06-26-2005, 12:22 PM

The other day it was very hot here in London and I did not feel like painting, but in the afternoon I felt a pang of guilt and started this commission long overdue.

This is the third of three brothers, the other two I painted about ten years ago (can't look at those paintings now without blushing for shame), and I kept putting off this third one as I thought somehow I had to match it with those two misfits.

I had a B&W reference photo taken this Christmas, and decided I wanted to try a monochrome block-in, so I painted it first with terra rosa, then just intuitively went on and added the flesh tones. Here is where I got in about two hours work.

Linen, 30x20 cm, the only regret is that, as I did not trace, I ended up with the head slightly bigger, it would have fit the canvas better if it was one cm smaller, but I am quite happy with it anyway.

Now I only have to face the parents and tell them they won't be able to hang it close to the other ones, but I will hope they will agree this one is much better anyway.

One weight off my shoulders in a lazy hot afternoon, with Wimbledon tennis as a musical score!
Ilaria

Hanna Larsson · 06-26-2005, 04:44 PM

Beautiful!!!

Garth Herrick · 06-26-2005, 05:12 PM

Fabulous Ilaria! This one just pops. What a wonderful color harmony, and perfect brushwork! How big is this?

Bravo!

Garth

Ilaria Rosselli Del Turco · 06-26-2005, 05:34 PM

Tiny tiny Garth, just 30x20 cm, that's why it was so quick maybe!
Can't wait to try this monochrome block- in thing in life painting!
The red looks very strong and bright, but it is a mute vermillion.

Thanks to you and Hanna
Ilaria

Garth Herrick · 06-26-2005, 05:42 PM

That would make the head about life-sized, would it not? (About 12" x 8" in inches)

Garth

Richard Monro · 06-26-2005, 05:59 PM

llaria,

Lovely and painterly. We always grow with each painting. Maybe you will be recommissioned to paint the boys as young men.

By the way we have been above 100F (38C) for the last week. Hit a high of 114F (45.6C) just the other day. Do we win the hot weather prize?

Regards,
Richard

Sharon Knettell · 06-27-2005, 04:25 PM

Ilaria,

Beautiful brushstrokes, design and color. A lovely fresh little gem!

Ilaria Rosselli Del Turco · 06-28-2005, 01:08 PM

Sharon, thank you very much for taking the time to comment and for your compliment, I appreciate it a lot.
Ilaria

Julie Deane · 06-29-2005, 09:25 PM

Ilaria - beautiful work. Love that red touch!

Ilaria Rosselli Del Turco · 06-30-2005, 06:33 AM

Thanks Julie,

Though it looks cadmium in the photo, that red is superexpensive Michael Harding Vermillion, that I bought once in the hope it will make me become like Euan Uglow ( a painter I worship who was using it).

I didn't start painting like him unfortunately, but I am very glad that that single brushstroke has done something for this painting!

Thank you for commenting
Ilaria