My source for practice

[Rob Sullivan]

Good gravy, you've been practicing a bunch!

This isn't the easiest lighting setup, yet you have handled it with great skill. A lovely portrayal of a lovely little girl; surely something to treasure.

Ampersand gessoboard, huh? Did you hit it up with additional coats of gesso? The reason I ask is that not a few of my students have brought it to class, and during the underpainting stage (Gamsol & raw umber block-in), the board sucked up the Gamsol like a thirsty dog. Wiping out highlights proved impossible; the pigment had become imbedded into the porous surface. Any problems of this sort?

[Linda Brandon]

Hi Lisa,

This is beautifully exectued and I've held off posting until I could remember whose style your work reminds me of: Duffy Sheridan . I really admire your detail and control here in this charming painting.

[Chris Saper]

Lisa,

This is just a lovely painting! I look at your daughter, and I know just how her skin would feel with the warmth of the sunshine.

Welcome, and I look forward to your participation here!

[Lisa Ober]

Originally Posted by Chris Saper

Lisa,

This is just a lovely painting! I look at your daughter, and I know just how her skin would feel with the warmth of the sunshine.

Welcome, and I look forward to your participation here!

Chris, you don't know it but you are one of the main reasons I am here! A friend of mine told me a while back to look at your work. I did and have lurked at your work and others for a long time. You are quite an inspiration and I thank you. Thank you also for your generous words.

I also look forward to participating here. The quality of work is simply overwhelming.

[Lisa Ober]

Originally Posted by Linda Brandon

Hi Lisa,

This is beautifully exectued and I've held off posting until I could remember whose style your work reminds me of: Duffy Sheridan . I really admire your detail and control here in this charming painting.

Hello Linda!

It's so nice to meet you. That's quite a compliment to me that I don't really yet deserve but it sure makes my day. Thank you for taking the time to respond with the flattering comparison.

[Lisa Ober]

Originally Posted by Rob Sullivan

This isn't the easiest lighting setup, yet you have handled it with great skill.

Ampersand gessoboard, huh? Did you hit it up with additional coats of gesso? The reason I ask is that not a few of my students have brought it to class, and during the underpainting stage (Gamsol & raw umber block-in), the board sucked up the Gamsol like a thirsty dog. Wiping out highlights proved impossible; the pigment had become imbedded into the porous surface. Any problems of this sort?

Hi Rob! Thank you so much! With regard to the lighting, yes, it was tough. I didn't realize how much my white house would reflect on the "shadowed" side of the face. It was so bright! I tried to make sure those light areas were at least cooler. I hope it came across.

As far as the Ampersand board goes, you will probably think I am crazy but the reason I love it is because it does absorb the initial wash I throw down before I just paint away. I agree that if you are rubbing out highlights you will hit a brick wall. I switched away from canvas because I don't like the initial washy sketch I do to drool down the page which also happens with other gessoed boards. I guess it's just a matter of personal preference but I can see how it might be irritating if you rub out highlights.

Thank you for responding.