Help!

Patricia Joyce · 08-09-2005, 10:48 AM

Well, I have been working on her since I returned from the workshop and it has been very difficult. I swear it is much easier to paint from life than from a photograph, especially when my reference pic was taken on a BAD HAIR day for the model so I don't want to use the ref for the hair. I have moved the eye on our left (can you believe it?!! I'm so proud of myself) so it is not finished yet. Anyways if anyone would have some comments to help me along I would appreciate it.

Allan Rahbek · 08-09-2005, 12:05 PM

Hi Pat,
I am impressed of how far you have come on such short time and think that this is a beautiful portrait.
Not sure what kind of trouble you are in here, so I will tell you what I feel.

It looks as you have painted all the features a little from the right side, that angle is also supported by the position of the head on the neck. Therefore the west side of the face should be a little more narrow than the east side, which it seams not to be.

Allan

John Reidy · 08-09-2005, 08:15 PM

Hello, Pat-

Indeed you have a beautiful painting. I can see Marvin's influence. Nice job.

My best advice is to STOP! You have accomplished the goal at the workshop. To continue would be almost impossible to pull off.

Instead, take what you went for, the knowledge, and apply it to your further endeavors.

Good work.

John

Lon Haverly · 08-09-2005, 11:36 PM

Very nice flesh tones.

The turquoise blouse does little for the painting, and I would have elected to paint only a bit of the collar, and vignetted the rest, not painting to the edge of the canvass as you have done with the shoulder lines, particularly with the tangent at the right edge of the canvas and the tiny bit of arm showing in the corner.

However, I agree with John. Take what you learned and apply it to the next painting.

Patricia Joyce · 08-10-2005, 10:04 AM

I agree with you all! I think it is time to call it done and move on, since I don't know what else to do with it. I tweaked it a bit yesterday and started priming a new canvas for my next painting.

Thanks for the advice. Lon, I agree that I don't like the cropping either, but you know how it is in a workshop, you just want to paint what you see and leave it as that, a learning experience.

Enzie Shahmiri · 08-13-2005, 11:11 PM

Hi Pat,

The painting has turned out nicely and I would take the previously given advise and stop.

Remember this:

Elements that bring items forward are:
highlights
sharp lines
intense colors
strong contrast

Elements that push things back are:
lack of highlights
blurred lines
neutral colors
little contrast

Go through your check list and the errors will reveal themselves!

You have come such a long way in such as short time, I am just in awe. I know I have mentioned it already, but oh well you deserve the praise.

Janel Maples · 08-15-2005, 12:00 AM

Enzie,

I see you have been re-writing those notes. Way to go!!!!

Pat,

As I mentioned in my email to you, I haven't touched my portrait since the workshop. One reason is because my goal of the workshop was to learn and practice what Marvin was teaching me and not to have a finished portrait for my portfolio. Another is because the workshop was from life so to paint from a photo after having a live model in
front of me would be torture. I think you may be making it more difficult on yourself by continuing when you did so much from life.

I would find it confusing, and I am easily confused the way it is. : )

I can't wait to see what you do with your next painting.

Janel

Patricia Joyce · 08-16-2005, 11:29 AM

Enzie,
Thanks for the refresher!! I wish I could take notes like you did - you were so organized and focused. I was more watching Marvin in awe, just trying to soak up what he said and did that I was less able to take good notes.

Dang, we need that book!!!

Janel,
Well, you make me feel relieved to read that you would also find it hard to go from working on your model from life to a photo ref. I had signed my painting and called her finished! On to the next project