Sam

Debra Jones · 01-21-2006, 06:18 PM

This is off a big roll of Fredrix pre primed workhorse canvas. I buy an $80 roll (48 or 50 inches high... and I forget the length) usually from gift certificates at Christmas time, and cut off pieces as needed. If I see a real sale somewhere, I will grab a few prestretched canvases, but it is a matter of space.

I have not had problems stretching them using my canvas pliers and good bars. The gesso used is acrylic so it is a bit slippery for a good piece, but works MUCH better than canvas board or any other fast and easy cheap support.

It lets me be free to impulse paint in the middle of the night. I keep stretcher bars in small amounts but many lengths. IF I need a piece of a larger size, I can stretch it with a bit of overlap using staples. If it becomes a gallery or sale piece, it can be restretched with a braced frame or glued. I admit I began in pastels and like the idea of actually having space around a piece to add or remove information, and by stretching after, I have that luxury.

Michele Rushworth · 01-22-2006, 01:08 PM

Wow -- I think this is one of your best!

Debra Jones · 01-22-2006, 01:34 PM

Thank you Michelle!

It is funny. With a sit still, know-the-guy model, I think he looks very generic. I had a lot more character a bit more age, a little thinner hair and the transparency and veiny texture in his temple all ideas to work on... until I got input from his alter ego.

I have had a lot more criticism for being TOO close to the likeness, which is a real luxury in life class. I got a number of lessons from mentors on NOT making the model so lifelike, but more flattering. With the input, I still tend to visually widen, not narrow - a more flattering distortion - but I stuck with general massing and not the crinkles and quirks.

I like studio for the lack of INSTRUCTION, I have a head full of education and my need now, is to learn a more marketable observational skill. I may ask the models to come and actually critique if they have time, during my progress. It was an eye opening exercise, and my eye is where it all lies!

Chris Saper · 01-23-2006, 12:44 AM

Debra,

This is a very lovely portrait! Sam is a such a nice man, and I think you have captured his kind persona.