Mr. Wilson -- for M. Castaneda

Steven Sweeney · 10-29-2003, 07:43 PM

Moderator's Note: Another post on behalf of Magdalena Castaneda, pending resolution of image-sizing problems. Again, Magdalena: Please introduce this piece and let members know what kind of feedback you're looking for.

Magdalena Castaneda · 10-29-2003, 08:35 PM

Good evening everyone,

First, I'd like to thank Steven for his great support, and his posting of my work on the Forum.

I was going to re-introduce myself to all of you, but didn't want to shorten Darla's thread. My last post was almost a year ago, and at that time was going to post images, but one, while I was learning about digital cameras, etc., "stuff" came up. I remember Mike, and Elizabeth, and of course Steven were very helpful. Anyway, I'm happy to be back and painting once again.

This is a 16"x 20" head and shoulders in oil of a gentleman. While it is completed, I wanted to share it with all of you, and I am open to critique as I know the value of them.

I am presently in Portland, OR, and have been here for two and a half years. For almost two years I have not painted, but have now rented a studio and am painting once again.

I would like to share with all of you how important it has been for me in these last two years to be able to follow your teachings (Pros), and your learnings (Beginners), for they have been mine also. Please pardon me, Cynthia and members, if I am speaking all of this in an inappropriate location. I am so very glad to finally be able to share with all of you, and to tell you all how you will never know how you have kept my spirits up during one of the most challenging times of my life. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

It is an honor for me to finally be able to share with all of you some of my learnings too.

With Affection,

Magdalena Casta

Steven Sweeney · 10-30-2003, 01:40 AM

Well, I

Chris Saper · 10-30-2003, 01:46 AM

Dear Magdalena,

I think this is a terrific painting. I like the profile, the figure placement, the edge variety, and the sculpted look of the strokes.

I would really like to see the image with resolution you feel shows it to its best, and I would appreciate being able to see a close-up, too. Congratulations on your studio space, and welcome back!

Magdalena Castaneda · 10-30-2003, 12:59 PM

Good morning,

Thank you Steven & Chris for the quick critiques!

Steven - Yes, the head is very warm. I used Winston & Newton burnt umber. I hadn't seen the blues before, but you're right they are there. Something for me to keep in mind for my next one.

I did the background simply, my favorite way to focus on the figure, and also lend it a somewhat abstract quality to it as well.

Chris - I tend to incorporate a very sculpted drawing look into my paintings of figures, or head and shoulders, like the look. And composition is an aspect of painting that I continue to study, and feel is important.

Steven & Chris:
And the studio is my santuary! I've enjoyed seeing all of your work, and your generous critiquing with members of this forum. Thank you.