Another monochrome

Molly Sherrick Phifer · 04-26-2006, 10:43 AM

This is another monochromatic wash-in of the same model I did a few weeks ago. Same pose, different point of view. This one is a better likeness of her, for what it's worth . . .

I am really loving painting from life!

Alexandra Tyng · 04-26-2006, 12:15 PM

Molly! This is very, very nice. You really caught something in her expression, I think. I'm so glad you are enjoying working from life. It is such an energizing experience.

Marina Dieul · 04-26-2006, 01:56 PM

Beautiful!

Molly Sherrick Phifer · 04-28-2006, 06:34 AM

Alex and Marina, I'm sorry it took me so long to respond to your kind posts.
It's so gratifying to work from life and as I practice, I learn to see things that are just not possible to see when working exclusively from photos.

I can't believe how intimidated I felt at first when working from life. I'm so glad I took the plunge! Thank you so much for your encouragement.

Sharon Knettell · 05-02-2006, 10:13 AM

Molly,

This is terrific! Your own personal sensitivity comes through. You will be surprised how this will add to your confidence and how fast you will improve.

I felt the same way. I was so attached to my photography, I got rather good at it and was asked to do weddings. I was AFRAID to work from life, but decided to take the plunge as you have said. I came across a picture of one of my early attempts, yours looks like the Mona Lisa in comparison.

I know what a difference life work has made for me. The photos look like old dead things to me now. I won't go back.

Patricia Joyce · 05-10-2006, 04:17 PM

Beautiful, Molly. Great values, great drawing!!

Molly Sherrick Phifer · 05-14-2006, 02:07 PM

Belated thanks to you, Sharon and Patty. I have been on my computer very little lately and didn't notice the new posts here.

I am SO grateful that I followed everyone's advice and have spent time not only working from life but also getting fine instruction. This forum is, as always, a veritable fount of priceless information, but nothing quite equals time in class with excellent teachers. I have been very fortunate to have been able to attend both a workshop of Chris Saper's and also two whole semesters with Marvin Mattelson at the School of Visual Arts in NYC.

I am encouraged by my progress in monochromatic studies to try my hand again with full color. I am currently working on a portrait of my lovely daughter that I hope to be able to share soon.

Thanks again, everyone!

Chris Saper · 05-23-2006, 11:55 PM

Molly,

Keep this up! In most Open Studio sessions you get three tiny, little, short, miniscule hours - so you have to pick and choose what you want to work on: values, color, likeness, surface. (I usually - but not always - tend to go for values.)

Portraits can't be painted in three hours (well for most of us mortals) nor should they.