Potrait study: pinky

Today I'm claiming that my muse told me to stop painting serious stuff and do some studies to work on my technique. In response I have dug out several small wood panels, 12" x 16", and I plan to paint all kinds of portrait studies. The first one out of the gate is just an old reference photo I had laying around.

The technical challenge in this one arises from the unnatural hair color and the full figure shadow. Typically my subjects are well lit and can use some pure colors, with this one everything has to be mixed and toned down. I suddenly realize all the subtleties of grey. (Which is in no way a reference to that terrible novel) Overall the skin tone is far from what I want it to be. Presently it looks as if she has a darker skin tone rather than a light skin tone in shadow. I imagine this could be better achieved through glazing, but I continue to fail at producing a proper glaze. I'm going to try out this new recipe for medium that I got from my friend.

On a more positive note the form is starting to look rounded. If this turns out well I plan to hang it in my bedroom and class that place up some. Nude females are classy right?

Pandora #4

Slowly but surely Pandora trucks onwards. I deemed myself to exhibit some constraint and complete them one at a time. The first one to experience completion shall be the second composition because it possesses the most actions and seems to be holding my attention the best.

I'm beginning to notice a discrepancy in style, most likely due to the prolonged break I took. I'm hoping this will be corrected as I narrow my focus and start to detail the piece. All of the major compositional elements have now found there place so I need to take the next scary step and start working everything together. I plan to obscure the figure slightly with the 'tails' of the heads. This should hold the composition together better and give it some depth.
I also need to kick up the spiritual natural of the heads to make them appear closer to the concepts they represent rather than be flying heads. It has been said that this piece has a comic book feel to it. I'm not sure how I feel about that so I'll let it be for now.

The little things

As of late I have been in a slight creative rut. The ideas continue to overflow, but an overwhelming concern of the larger picture smashes them into submission. Typical artist self doubt I suppose. Can't let such a silly thing get me down. I know I got the talent to make it. In some ways that isn't the point though. My goal isn't to become a renown artist, just a fulfilled one. I dream of the day when my physical work will match my internal expectations. I could quite literally have my dreams come true. Imagine how it must feel to possess such an ability.

On another note Pandora finally moves forward after her long stay in the corner. She still fights me at every turn, but i can't ignore her taunting any longer.

I resolved to turn off my brain and just work. I know where it needs to be, I just need to put in the time and get her there.

Self Portrait 5

I appear to be on the border of genius or disaster, which is the only way to approach a masterwork I suppose.

I sat back not sure what to do next then somewhere in my head a voice said 'lime green oil stick'. Be it madness or my innate creative genius I listened without hesitation. I added a sort of aura around myself with it. There is still a great deal of detail work to be done, but I need to let this creative decision sit for a bit.

Alternatively, I have begin work on a new series which I dub The Untranslated. As I wandered around the internet one day I stumbled upon an article that detailed a list of words in other languages that cannot be directly translated into English. The overall theme has to do with relationships and emotion. Come to think of it this particular approach is bordering dangerously close to illustration. Hmm. Anyways it is still very early in the process...

leopard 2

Ladies and gentleman a painting is almost done! There is a small matter of some detail work and severe scrutinizing, but for all purposes the end is within sight. At least that is what I was thinking this morning then I went to see the Impressionism show. Oh my god there are no words. There was some pieces in there that just made ya think, 'That there is a masterpiece'. They inspired me no doubt, but then I come look at my work and I think, I got a long way to go.

I still enjoy the painting greatly, but it just doesn't have the wow effect. At this point the composition is pretty solid, so I must play up the brushwork more. Really push the power of nature onto the viewer. Remember it Romantic with a capital R that matters.