A small portrait command... a technical exercise

[Valerie Gudorf]

Sergio,

This is amazingly well done. As most artists know, watercolor is the most unruly of mediums. But you certainly know how to show watercolor who's boss! I love it. My guess is that you achieved this primarily through the use of multiple controlled glazes, allowing the painting to dry completely between layers. Am I right? I love the fidelity of your flesh tones, and what's more, I love the way the keen intelligence and unwavering confidence of "Mon General's" character shows through.

Like you, I've found that the use of black tube paint deadens any passage you're painting. As you've pointed out, mixtures of ultramarine blue and burnt umber produce any number of lovely, chromatic darks, and a very lively black. I'd love to see the complete image of this wonderful piece.