Portrait, WIP [Archive]

Matt Sammekull

11-14-2003, 05:24 AM

Hi.

This will be my first posting of an image in this new forum. This is a portrait/figure I'm working on, starting with an underpainting in two colors, a warm black (Ivory Black 50% and Burnt Sienna 50%) and Flake white.

I know one isn't supposed to say so, but I really like this painting of mine thus far! Her eyes, and her pose... I believe this very well could turn out to be the piece of my life this far! But then again, I could end up screwing things up my next session... been there before! Done it!

Leopoldo said something in a different thread to me, how I should leave this alone as it is today, and not feel an urge to cover up every square inch of my canvas with paint. I've thought a lot of that... I believe I'll finish up the entire figure as I did with her beautiful face, including her top/blouse, and then... ????

What do you think???

Oil on canvas, 36x28 (90x70 cm)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Nov-2003/15549-drawing.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Nov-2003/15549-on_the_easel.jpg

//matt

Niv

11-14-2003, 09:41 AM

I really like the sensitive nature of this one. Sensitive, sensual, vulnerable - lots of power. Great job so far.

artmom

11-14-2003, 10:18 AM

There is a wonderful glow and a sensous softness about her face. This will be wonderful to watch!

Lyn

Biki

11-14-2003, 02:39 PM

this wannabe thinks this is fantastic.!

You really know what you are doing.
I will learn a lot by watching this develop. Please keep posting your progress.

May I ask what colour you are using.?

biki

Classical Vince

11-14-2003, 02:47 PM

Hi Matt. This is a stunning piece; the expression and pose are very attractive. You already captured a lot of personality in the face so I can understand why you are happy with it so far.

Thanks for sharing the steps and your palette. Art is not for anyone who isnt afraid of making mistakes...we've all been there before! lol.

I was a little surprised that the background didnt get laid in first. Do you have any ideas for what you want to do with it?

Matt Sammekull

11-14-2003, 04:30 PM

to be honest, - NO!!!

What do you think, or see in front of you that would/might work?

I might paint a small mirror on the back wall, with the reflection of me showing vaguely (the Jan Van Eyck and Diego Velázquez club you know...), but that is so far just an idea.

Biki, I use Becker's (A Swedish high-quality oil paint), and Michael Harding's Lead (flake) White (Becker's don't' have lead products in their line). And so far I used only a warm black and white (as I wrote in the first post above). You could use a Raw Umber instead of that black, but the drying is faster with his mixture. (over night).

//matt

Rosic

11-14-2003, 07:01 PM

Hey ol' friend...
Just wanted to jump on the train so I didn't miss this one. Your WIP's are always so enlightening and honest... this one will be no less I'm sure.
Bern

canvasjockey

11-14-2003, 07:44 PM

That's beautiful, Matt!! Wonderful pose! I will be watching this develop with great interest!

Carole

Jim

11-14-2003, 10:44 PM

This looks real nice Matt.
Will you complete the rest of it using your limited pallette or will it eventually go inyto full color?
Either way it is a stunningly beautiful piece, keep up the fantastic work :)

kt077886

11-14-2003, 11:25 PM

Perfect, just perfect. If only I could.

kt077886

11-14-2003, 11:27 PM

Woe, I didn't notice the pubic area, verrrry interesting.

Dana Design

11-15-2003, 01:07 AM

My God, Matt! This is gorgeous!! Absolutely beautiful! She is such a beauty and thus far, you've expressed it perfectly.

My take would be to concentrate on her and the figure. When I first saw it, I thought of Schmid and what he might do with the background, YMMV. But as this is to be a classical portrait, a dark background with a barely perceptible mirror or whatever would do beautifully.

I can't wait to see the finished product!
Dana

arlene

11-15-2003, 01:30 AM

i'm eagerly awaiting this...but how could you not plan the background?

(see my cartoon that bobby made ;) )

CarolChretien

11-15-2003, 05:47 PM

So Glad you posted this here Matt.

It is just brilliant work.

I see a soft but dark background and some vague impressions of ??? behind her.
Not that I need to tell YOU...but she is so exquisite that I wouldn't want to see too much going on around her.
JMHO...
keep it pure and simple.
:)

tropicart

11-15-2003, 07:31 PM

Hey Matt,

She is fantastic. This is what I live for!! Her pose and personality are killing me. I love the skin tones, makes me want to jump right in and join you.

bravo,

Gerry

sandge

11-16-2003, 09:24 AM

Hey, Matt! How about posting a link to this in the portraiture forum? Wouldn't want folks there to miss the piece of your life! :D

raskolnikov

11-16-2003, 10:06 AM

Great work so far Matt!

I love these WIP:s!

I'm sure this is gonna be your best piece so far. Gotta think positive Matt.
But I know how you mean, when I get off to a good start I'm often afraid of painting on it again because I think I'll ruin it.

Looking forward to seing your progress.

Stephen Brealey

11-16-2003, 08:52 PM

Matt - this is looking wonderful (I can't believe this is the first time I've popped my head into the Classical forum - there is so much great stuff going on in here). Can't wait to see it progress.

Steve.

mlmoncrief

11-16-2003, 09:47 PM

Wowee! Looking forward to watching this one. There is something very moving about her beauty

Monica

ArtistOz

11-17-2003, 03:29 AM

That model looked so beautifully erotic that I wanted to jump on a plane and fly over there and draw her myself then I realised its probably the artist and his skills that has made her so attractive to the eye.

Raindrop

11-17-2003, 03:12 PM

Wow! I love the softness of her skin. And the pose is deliciously erotic...

Craig Houghton

11-17-2003, 07:37 PM

Originally posted by ArtistOz
That model looked so beautifully erotic that I wanted to jump on a plane and fly over there and draw her myself then I realised its probably the artist and his skills that has made her so attractive to the eye.

I agree on both accounts. This looks like it will be inescapably good -- not only one of your best, but one of the best I've seen.

Ahh, I just opened the thread in another window to have another look -- I was hoping to find something helpful to say, but damn, I'm speechless.

-Craig

Matt Sammekull

11-18-2003, 08:07 AM

Wow, so many replies! I'm very flattered!!!

Let's see if I can answer your questions:

Jim asked: "Will you complete the rest of it using your limited palette or will it eventually go into full color?"

- Well Jim... I'll begin with completing the figure in this palette. I honestly don't know where to take her then.

Arlene: "i'm eagerly awaiting this...but how could you not plan the background?

- Simple... I just didn't think that far, only concentrating on the figure and her eyes.

AutimnJoy: "but she is so exquisite that I wouldn't want to see too much going on around her

- My point as well... I don't want to take anything away from her.

Hey Sandge!!! "How about posting a link to this in the portraiture forum?"

-You're welcome to do it by all means!!!! ;)

Thanks EVERYONE!!!

An update: I've been busy doing other stuff, so not much happening with the girl. I'm continuing with my underpainting.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Nov-2003/15549-update.jpg

//matt

Olan

11-18-2003, 10:05 AM

Hi Matt, I'm glad you are going to finish this one cause I do agree with the crowd that it's gonna be good. I've watched you develope a background before (portrait WIP of the girl from the movie) and know it will be no problem.

Dana Design

11-18-2003, 10:57 AM

Matt,
After you've finished the underpainting, are you then just going to glaze on the colors or actually paint first, then glaze?

Dana

Matt Sammekull

11-18-2003, 01:26 PM

I'll wait until I finish the entire figure, they I'll start thinking... how I should proceed... if I should proceed.
I might just leave it as is when the monochrome is done... might.

//matt

Dana Design

11-18-2003, 05:01 PM

Matt,
Do you prefer board to canvas? Just asking. :rolleyes:
Dana

Matt Sammekull

11-18-2003, 05:26 PM

If by "board" you mean masonite, yes I do prefer it - WHEN I want a smooth finish. Otherwise I prefer linen canvas on stretchers.

It' actually somewhat of a "flavor of the month" thing.

//matt

shadowbxre

11-18-2003, 09:39 PM

Outstanding. I'd kill to be able to paint like that. Ok, mame just alittle. Love the eyes, the whole package really. Can't wait to see where you go with this one.

Dana Design

11-19-2003, 10:21 AM

Matt:
Otherwise I prefer linen canvas on stretchers.

Sorry to be a bore but:
How is linen different from portrait cotton canvas which is what I've been using.

(Can you tell I'm new to oils?)

Thanks a bunch!
Dana

Matt Sammekull

11-19-2003, 10:55 AM

Cotton weaves are perfect, with no variation. And it appears to me to be more glossy by nature, maybe a poor of choice word. Linen is not quite so stiff, and welcomes the paint in a moore appealing way. Then of course, linen ha a longer life-length.

But I do use cotton for my studies, or more "unofficial" paintings, I just cover them with a few layers of gesso first, to fill up the tiny little holes in the cotton.

//matt

Dana Design

11-19-2003, 11:03 AM

Thanks, Matt.

Now to cover up those tiny little holes!
Dana :)

bjs0704

11-19-2003, 02:40 PM

Your work is wonderful. The drawing is wonderful. There is a great sense of movement. The whole figure makes a nice S-curve sweep.

I am fairly new to using an underpainting and have never tried burnt sienna as part of the underpainting, so thanks for giving me something new to try. I look forward to seeing your progress.

Do you brace your masonite when you prepare it?

Barb Solomon:cat:

Matt Sammekull

11-19-2003, 06:01 PM

... and have never tried burnt sienna as part of the underpainting, so thanks for giving me something new to try.

I only use Burnt Sienna in a combination with Ivory Black...not straight. You could also, as I said somewhere above, use Burnt Umber, which has a very similar tone as my mixture.

I don't brace my masonite; I do however but the thick kind and rarely go up to huge sizes. It's really important though, to treat the backside of the panel with the same care as the upside.

//matt

Tammy Marie

11-19-2003, 06:07 PM

Matt, this is an amazing work and it is so exciting to watch you create it.

One idea I have for the background (but it might be a lot of extra work) is a very dimly lit room (about the amount that 1 or 2 candles would light up a dark room) in which all that really shows up is part of an oriental-style room divider screen with perhaps a suggestion of clothing draped over it, as if it were used as a changing screen, or perhaps not, and perhaps a chair (toward the right of the picture with some overlap with the screen) facing us at an angle, but with the back to the right of us more than to the left, and maybe some clothing draped over the chair. I imagine the faint light to be coming from our right but the source not showing. The amount of this scene that shows would be somewhat out of focus and just melt into the rest of a dark background. I have no idea if this is a good idea of not. It's just one thing I imagine behind her when I look at your painting of her.

I hate to say anything knit picky about such a georgeous piece, but one little teeny thing that keeps distracting me is the little patch of reflected light on her right jaw near her ear. My simple mind keeps trying to figure out where it is coming from. Maybe it is supposed to be like that and forgive me for being so bold. I feel that when I can paint like you I will have earned a right to say something, but then on the other hand maybe you would want me to say something so I did.

Tam

Matt Sammekull

11-19-2003, 06:28 PM

Sorry to be so sporadic in my updates, but I have so many other things to paint these days... anyway; I did her blouse tonight, letting it dry a bit until I'll add some patters to it. It's fun to paint patterns in a heavily folded piece of fabric! It's hard, but it sure helps creating the sense of fabrics.

//matt

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/19-Nov-2003/15549-shirt.jpg

arourapope

11-19-2003, 10:55 PM

This is going to be fantastic!!! I'm going to keep watching this thread; it looks like it's going to be exciting.
I love the way you've handled her hair and the expression on her face.
I work alla prima, but I love wip threads. Yay yay yay.

Classical Vince

11-20-2003, 01:22 AM

Matt, she gets more lovely everytime I see her. This is a strong piece and I hope you feel good about it.

About the bkgrnd...the mirror idea sounded good. I liked it as long as the mirror is vague so it doesnt detract from your beauty here. It will add a bit of an atmosphere as well, kind of like the viewer is the artist painting this.

Much thanks to both you and Z for your WIPs. This is all new to me so Im taking notes! lol. Cant wait to see her finished.

arlene

11-20-2003, 01:27 AM

Originally posted by Tammy Marie

I feel that when I can paint like you I will have earned a right to say something, but then on the other hand maybe you would want me to say something so I did.

Tam

my 11 year old daughter sometimes gives me the most insightful comments on my art. Please don't EVER feel you can't say something because you're not as "talented" as the next person...after all, many times that's subjective.

Matt, this is coming along beautifully

Maysun

11-21-2003, 04:32 PM

Thoroughly enjoying this, Matt. Look forward to your next post. Love your work !!!

Maysun:)

Matt Sammekull

11-24-2003, 12:13 PM

- and thanks for your comments. I realize that in this speed, I'll have this finished by 2005.
There's just a lot of different projects for me right now, but after the christmas holidays I'll have some more time on my hands. And I am going to give a great portion of that time to this lady on my canvas.

I painted her arms/hands and added some patterns to her jacket.
I see a slight difference in values, when comparing to let's say the face, this is due to more Burnt Sienna in my black... and it really doesn't matter that much.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/24-Nov-2003/15549-update.jpg

//matt

Classical Vince

11-24-2003, 05:38 PM

Ok Matt, times up. When's that awesome background coming in? ;) I bet its hard keeping the same forumulas going throughout the flesh tones. Do you have a favorite recipe? The hands look fantastic as does the fabric.

Do I hear a nomination for the first entry to the WC Classical Hall of Fame?

Craig Houghton

11-24-2003, 06:05 PM

Originally posted by Classical Vince
Ok Matt, times up. When's that awesome background coming in? ;) I bet its hard keeping the same forumulas going throughout the flesh tones. Do you have a favorite recipe? The hands look fantastic as does the fabric.

Do I hear a nomination for the first entry to the WC Classical Hall of Fame?

Well, I'd certainly consider that the nomination and second it!

-Craig

Alan Cross

11-25-2003, 01:26 AM

Great so far Matt glad I found this wip....
Alan :)

Infectious

11-27-2003, 11:43 PM

I just came across this WIP today. The piece is absolutely gorgeous, it could have easily been ruined. Once I saw the face on the first page I was stunned. GReat work. Can't wait to see it done.:D

Craig Houghton

11-29-2003, 09:38 AM

Originally posted by Infectious
I just came across this WIP today. The piece is absolutely gorgeous, it could have easily been ruined. Once I saw the face on the first page I was stunned. GReat work. Can't wait to see it done.:D

It certainly could have, but with Matt this is going to just keep getting better.

For now, I just have to patiently wait for the next progress :P

-Craig

Beancrusher

12-09-2003, 07:37 AM

Matt, this is incredible!

I was just about done with my morning fix of coffee and WC, and came upon this thread. Couldn't leave. Now I'll be late for work.

It's worth it.

bairam

12-11-2003, 02:17 AM

This is a beautiful piece. I just want to hang out and watch to see where it goes.

Matt Sammekull

12-11-2003, 09:07 AM

- and please forgive me for being so slow with my progression for this!

I'll do some work on her this upcoming weekend, and will of course post images of it.

Thanks all for your more than kind comments!!!

//matt

arlene

12-11-2003, 09:56 AM

Originally posted by Matt Viinanen
- and please forgive me for being so slow with my progression for this!

I'll do some work on her this upcoming weekend, and will of course post images of it.

Thanks all for your more than kind comments!!!

//matt

well it's about time! ;)

bjs0704

12-11-2003, 10:16 AM

Don't feel that you have to rush.

We are all going to be happy to see how it is going.

Barb Solomon:cat:

Matt Sammekull

12-29-2003, 10:03 AM

Hi all.

It's now time to do some work on the lady, but I still haven't decided on what background to give her... hrm...

I might just finish her in color and all, and then figure out the background, but that's not normally how I work. When I stand before the easel and look at her, her eyes tells me she's longing for something, maybe day-dreaming...

//matt

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/29-Dec-2003/15549-on_the_easel.jpg

Infectious

12-29-2003, 11:13 AM

I dont know about the background, but I must say. This is a beautiful piece. I cant imagine being that good. One day, hopefully!:)

Alan Cross

12-29-2003, 11:23 AM

Thanks for the update Matt hope you had a nice break....
Alan :)

arlene

12-29-2003, 12:09 PM

ack!!!! you didn't plan the background ;) she's looking wonderful matt...it will be interesting to see what you wind up with.

Craig Houghton

12-29-2003, 12:15 PM

The last thing I'm worried about is your choice of background -- if you managed what you've done so far, a little background is a trifling nothing. Great work!! I really love the hairs falling across the face -- there's a lot of cascading elements here and for me it sort of starts there with a little waterfall effect.

Great work!!

-Craig

Smudgedperspective

01-01-2004, 10:34 AM

This is stunning; she reminds me of someone that I know, I just can't place who... in any case, this is gorgeouse, and the mono-pallete really seems to work on this one. I know you said you would probably color her but just as is it's already just...wow. yeah- Thanks for posting this-Lauren

Gilberte

01-01-2004, 02:52 PM

I've seen this portrait or figure several times in the different threads and always hesitated to comment because it is very very good but my attention is always drawn to her right leg/hip. I see this leg going up too high ... (my anatomic English isn't good)
Am I alone in this opinion ?

Alan Cross

01-01-2004, 03:08 PM

I don't see any problem with the leg or hip.....maybe its cus her sweater it pulled up you feel that....
Alan :)

Matt Sammekull

01-01-2004, 05:50 PM

I see you point Gilberte! But it's really not the leg in it self that raises that high, it's the pelvic area that follows the same line. Eventually, I'll add some light where the pelvic bones should be and that will help separate the leg from the hip.

As Alan pointed out, the clothing does add to that feeling you have, and something I might consider changing in a later stage.

I marked with red where that light will be placed:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Jan-2004/15549-on_the_easel.jpg

Cheers all!!

//matt

Gilberte

01-02-2004, 02:02 AM

Yes Matt, that's the only nit in an otherwise perfect realistic rendering ...

palette

01-03-2004, 08:26 PM

Watching and learning. She is stunning!

(Did I miss this? Is this done using a live model?)

Matt Sammekull

01-04-2004, 07:35 AM

No, this is based initially on a photograph. I say initially, cause this is how I usually do it:

1) Find a photograph that has something that attracts me.
2) Make a drawing of that photograph, not being to careful about getting the details wrong or right. I sometimes write down little footnotes on color and value.
3) Delete the original photograph, or place it somewhere where I will not stumble across it unless I want to.
4) Base my painting on that drawing I did.

I do this because then my painting gets a little bit more of me into it. I'd hate to limit myself into "trying to paint a copy of the photograph". I use the photo's as a source of inspiration. I alter a lot, or very little, it depends.

This girl... I actually don't recall what she looked like in the original photograph, but she didn't have her hands the way I drew/painted them... I pretty much used the eyes and the face from the original... the rest is made up. I made the lips fuller for example. It's like I have an image in my head of what I want to paint, and then I use whatever I need in the photographs to get there.
I sometimes use myself as a reference of colors and values, to find various planes of the face and figure, and sometimes my girlfriend helps me out.

Many times, it's hard to see a resemblance between original photograph and my painting once it's finished.

Cheers everyone,

//matt

palette

01-04-2004, 12:22 PM

Thanks Matt,

Originally posted by Matt Viinanen
It's like I have an image in my head of what I want to paint, and then I use whatever I need in the photographs to get there.
...//matt

Your head must be a beautiful place. Thanks for allowing us to visit. :D

Biki

01-04-2004, 12:40 PM

Originally posted by Matt Viinanen
No, this is based initially on a photograph. I say initially, cause this is how I usually do it:

1) Find a photograph that has something that attracts me.
2) Make a drawing of that photograph, not being to careful about getting the details wrong or right. I sometimes write down little footnotes on color and value.
3) Delete the original photograph, or place it somewhere where I will not stumble across it unless I want to.
4) Base my painting on that drawing I did.

I do this because then my painting gets a little bit more of me into it. I'd hate to limit myself into "trying to paint a copy of the photograph". I use the photo's as a source of inspiration. I alter a lot, or very little, it depends.

This girl... I actually don't recall what she looked like in the original photograph, but she didn't have her hands the way I drew/painted them... I pretty much used the eyes and the face from the original... the rest is made up. I made the lips fuller for example. It's like I have an image in my head of what I want to paint, and then I use whatever I need in the photographs to get there.
I sometimes use myself as a reference of colors and values, to find various planes of the face and figure, and sometimes my girlfriend helps me out.

Many times, it's hard to see a resemblance between original photograph and my painting once it's finished.

Cheers everyone,

//matt

I like that.

As a novice, I cannot imagine painting something that I have no attachment to - no love for. Your MOM projects for instance - I don't think I could do them, because the subjects don't mean anything to me, tho I would like to try.
Like so, I would not be inclined to pick a photo out of the image library & paint it, but rather paint a photo I have taken myself.

This approach of yours is inspiring for me. Thanks for sharing.

PS. I did paint some old shoes once tho - but that was at a workshop & I adore the teacher and wanted to please him. Therefore I could get my heart involved.
:)

palette

01-17-2004, 02:01 PM

Hi again,

Was checking for updates and decided to re-read this thread from the beginning - it is amazing to be able to follow you through. Fabulous work.

I noticed you said,

"...the clothing does add to that feeling you have, and something I might consider changing in a later stage."

:eek: I really love her blouse as is and think the highlight to her hip which you explained will fix this tiny nit.

Hey, no pressure. But, if you change her blouse I may have to hunt you down. :evil: :p :D

Matt Sammekull

01-18-2004, 04:26 PM

Hey.

But, if you change her blouse I may have to hunt you down

Maybe I would like that... yeahh...

I actually did some work on her today... nothing to show for it though. Thanks for stopping by.

//matt

laudesan

01-19-2004, 05:35 AM

Matt this is coming along beautifully..........

I am enjoying your work soooooo much :)

Silver

01-19-2004, 03:08 PM

I came across your thread tonight and it really zapped me . It is so well drawn. I hope you will have success with the colouring. This is what i aspie to.

Matt Sammekull

01-20-2004, 08:27 AM

Thanks all.

I played around with many different potential solutions to the background problem, and finally realized there isn't a problem. All I have to do is paint.The girl in herself brings the painting all that it needs to be a "successful" one.

So, doing a few sketches, trying out different colors, made me come to this conclusion: A neutral, out of focus background, in a green/grey color. I mixed up a quite significant batch of flake white, Ivory, Olive green and yellow ochre, and covered the background. Finally... there's some color on the canvas.

I also added some flesh to her rear end...

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Jan-2004/15549-easel.jpg

painting is fun...

//matt

Alan Cross

01-20-2004, 12:17 PM

Looking good Matt that bit of extra in the backend really helps....
Alan :)

bjs0704

01-20-2004, 12:40 PM

Matt, I have really been enjoying watching your progress and methods in this painting. It is definitely giving me some ideas of things that I would like to try.

I am seeing a light colored groove that could have been accidentally added when made her bigger in the backside. This could be a photo error and not really on the picture but I thought you would want to check it. I hope I am mistaken. I am seeng a vertical line from her blouse running along the top of her backside - about an inch in. This is a great painting and she doesn't need ridges.

Barb Solomon

Matt Sammekull

01-20-2004, 01:31 PM

Hey Alan, Barb...

that bit of extra in the backend really helps

I agree Alan, she look a bit more... more vivid with that extra width to the hip.

Barb, you are right, that new painted area shows some left-overs from the original shape beneath. That wont be there as I start building up the color on the figure. I wasn't very careful when I added that extra width to her, just took some Burnt Umber and drew in the new outline, then filled it with a thin mixture of umber and white.

What I really would like to hear, from everyone of you, is how you look at the fact that she is showing her pubic area. Does it come out looking as pornography, erotical or sensual or what?

I'm thinking about covering up that spot somehow... maybe putting a pair of undies on to her.

Thanks for your comments.

//matt

Silver

01-20-2004, 03:50 PM

I think it is best left in as you have it. If this had been painted by Renoir nobody would even have given it a second thought. I do not find it offensive anyhow.

bjs0704

01-20-2004, 03:55 PM

I don't think that you should give her undies. There isn't anything offensive about this painting.

Barb Solomon :)

Matt Sammekull

01-20-2004, 03:58 PM

Hey Silver! (Nice to meet you by the way.)

Yeah, you're right. I am more concerned (interested might be a better word) with the US citizens and their approach to the subject matter. We Europeans are by far more used to, and open minded to nudity in all visual art forms.
Not saying one is better than the other!!!!

Cheers,

//matt

Matt Sammekull

01-20-2004, 03:59 PM

Thanks for your input Barb.
Much appreciated.

//matt

Dana Design

01-20-2004, 04:10 PM

Does it come out looking as pornography, erotical or sensual or what?

I'm thinking about covering up that spot somehow... maybe putting a pair of undies on to her.

Thanks for your comments.

//matt

Matt, Only the viewer can determine whether it's porn, erotic, sensual or what. My eyes see incredible softness, vulnerability, beauty and innocence.

Putting on a pair of undies? Reminds me of the middle ages and the Salem witch trials when they tried to put diapers on dogs! NO UNDIES. That's my vote.

Dana :)

bairam

01-20-2004, 04:27 PM

Pornograph, erotic...No. Sensual..yes, but please no panties. She's just perfect as she is.

To me this is a young girl becoming a woman....and she's just beautiful. As the mother of two daughters and grandmother of four girls, I've seen this transition before and it always is one of life's most beautiful times. The kind that gives you joy and loss all at the same time....

Thanks for sharing this with us....

Smudgedperspective

01-20-2004, 04:59 PM

Hi- I'm an American and I like naked people :D . lol. of course, being 18 might have something do with that. This is coming along beautifully and i see absolutely nothing wrong with seeing her pubic area. It's there isnt it? I've yet to meet more than a handful of females who didnt have that particular piece of anatomy (those others? well that's another story). This is a very sensual painting and I think "undies" would ruin the innocence of it somehow. Just my opinion. look forward to seeing more-Lauren

Jim

01-20-2004, 07:24 PM

Heya Matt,
You've made some great progress with this one I see.
I only have one personal preference here and that would be to re-trim the rearend. Again, that's just me and I thought she looked just fine in the beginning. The addition of more flesh seems to make her rear look less rounded.
Well...I'll stop picking on this beautifully stunning piece and in all sincerity restate that your painting looks fantastic...really, just as it is, the rearend change is just my own selfish personal opinion.

coyote

01-20-2004, 07:54 PM

I'm thinking about covering up that spot somehow... maybe putting a pair of undies on to her.

:( Don't do it, Matt! She's lovely...putting underwear on her will make her look like a lingerie ad. Please, in the name of all that's holy, let her breathe!

Celia

01-20-2004, 08:04 PM

I've been following the progress on this piece since the first post....... I think that she is beautiful just as she is......... she doesn't need a thing added nor taken away......... You've done a terrific job with a lovely subject.....

celia

palette

01-20-2004, 11:48 PM

Totally agree with everyone. She is beautiful, sensual, blossoming and vulnerable all at once and I think you'd lose some of that if you covered her up. It's a delicate look to capture and you've done it perfectly.

Fabulous job Matt.

Silver

01-21-2004, 08:06 AM

I hope you don't mind me asking but was this a live model or was it a photograph ?

Matt Sammekull

01-21-2004, 09:42 AM

Hi all.

I believe the public has spoken! I'm glad you did, cause I didn't want to give her a pair of undies...

Hey Lauren!
I also like nudeity.
I do believe that age is a factor when it comes to how liberal we are toward nudity, and in other cases viloence. Our generation is more used to being bombarded with sex and viloence through all our different mediums.
I've yet to meet more than a handful of females who didnt have that particular piece of anatomy (those others? well that's another story).
Okay... now do tell me that story will you!!!?

Jim, The addition of more flesh seems to make her rear look less rounded , well I wanted it to look more fleshy and round, not less. I'll check that out.

Okay Coyote, - I'll let her breathe.

Silver, as usual, this is originally from a photograph found on the internet somewhere I believe. (it was a long time ago.) But the painting is not based on the photograpgh, it's based on my dawing of the photograph with all it's adjustments, addings and deletions. If I remember correctly, her hands were't there in the original image... those are my girlfriends.

This is from an earlier post in this thread:

... No, this is based initially on a photograph. I say initially, cause this is how I usually do it:

1) Find a photograph that has something that attracts me.
2) Make a drawing of that photograph, not being to careful about getting the details wrong or right. I sometimes write down little footnotes on color and value.
3) Delete the original photograph, or place it somewhere where I will not stumble across it unless I want to.
4) Base my painting on that drawing I did.

I do this because then my painting gets a little bit more of me into it. I'd hate to limit myself into "trying to paint a copy of the photograph". I use the photo's as a source of inspiration. I alter a lot, or very little, it depends.

This girl... I actually don't recall what she looked like in the original photograph, but she didn't have her hands the way I drew/painted them... I pretty much used the eyes and the face from the original... the rest is made up. I made the lips fuller for example. It's like I have an image in my head of what I want to paint, and then I use whatever I need in the photographs to get there.
I sometimes use myself as a reference of colors and values, to find various planes of the face and figure, and sometimes my girlfriend helps me out.

Many times, it's hard to see a resemblance between original photograph and my painting once it's finished.

Cheers everyone,

//matt

Krasnojarsk

01-21-2004, 09:55 AM

Haven't been on WC! for a week now...

Matt, this is so extremely stunning! Love your work!
F*n vad jag är imponerad! :)

Keep it up,
Pelle

Matt Sammekull

01-21-2004, 10:08 AM

Tjenixen!

Haven't been on WC! for a week now...

D-Tox huh?

Welcome back, and thanks a jäkla mycket.

//mattias

Krasnojarsk

01-21-2004, 10:31 AM

D-Tox huh?

Yeah, it's called guitar... :)

ShelleCJ

01-26-2004, 12:29 AM

Hey Matt

I was browsing the forums and checked in on your thread to see how your painting was coming. I like the added roundness you put on her behind, her figure and hip bone seems a bit more natural now. (not that she looked deformed before ;) ).

By the way.......not that it's any of my business, but I couldn't help noticing a resemblance to your portrait painting labeled "Jennifer" in your portraits section of your website. Just wondering if the photograph reference for this painting is that of your fiace Jenny?

All your work is very good! I can see how your painting style has changed a bit through all your paintings......matured maybe?

I've also been following your MOM project too (LOVE IT!) and hope to join in soon. I opened up my old art box and found that I'm very limited for a paint palette and some of the tubes the lid had frozen up on and I ruptured the tubes trying to pry them open. Can't really afford to stock up on supplies any time soon but I hope I hope to join in when I can. Better late then never. :cool:

Michelle

pixieface

01-26-2004, 05:26 PM

mcknight

01-27-2004, 09:42 AM

This is a great piece. Is it finished now?

Matt Sammekull

01-27-2004, 12:18 PM

Hey Dave! Thanks! How's it going?

No, she is not finished yet... I'm about to dry-brush in some action on that background, some darker and lighter variants of that green.

And then... flesh!

//Matt

ArtistNamePending

01-29-2004, 03:52 AM

I'm thinking about covering up that spot somehow... maybe putting a pair of undies on to her.
//matt

I hope I'm not pre-empting what you might be doing but I'll comment anyway.
I'm not too sure on the brightness of the background. The edge of the figure on its left hand side is too dark -- it makes the figure appear as if it were cut out and pasted on a background, that is, it makes the figure look too two-dimensional. Some chiaroscuro, especially darkening the left side of the background would alleviate the problem.

As for the pubic area, some shadow casted from her arms would obfuscate the pubic area to make it less showey.

Matt Sammekull

01-29-2004, 05:45 PM

Hi "ArtistNamePending" (I'll call you ANP in the future ok?).

Your idea is actually really close to what I have been doing... Thanks a lot for taking the time to show it to me!

//matt

Matt Sammekull

01-30-2004, 04:48 AM

Finishing the background, is a two-step process, including glazes. I did start off with some planed dry brushing, but did not want that texture it created.
The background will stay flat, and the figure will have more "life" to it. That's a combination that always works.

First up, I cover the background with a mixture of Burnt Umber, Cyprian Umber (A lovely dark green earth from Beckers, haven't seen this anywhere else) and some yellow ochre. To this I add linseed oil with about 25% turpentine to it until it reaches a watercolor like substance.. I just make sure this glazing layer is fatter than the one underneath.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/30-Jan-2004/15549-background_step_01.jpg

I let this dry for a day or two before heading on with the second, and final layer of the background. Then this area should be fininshed.

It isn't really before I paint the figure that foreground and background will come together the way I want.

//matt

CarolChretien

01-30-2004, 07:28 AM

Agreeing with the majority on this piece, Matt.
She is beautiful as is...the idea of covering her nudity would ruin the poetry of the whole.
There is an innocence to the whole work that embraces the nudity. I'm glad you are letting that stand as you intended! :clap:

Looking forward to the completion :)

shadowbxre

01-30-2004, 07:38 AM

This really has turned out so well. Excellent work. This a very pleasant painting to view.

sceper

01-30-2004, 01:16 PM

First up, I cover the background with a mixture of Burnt Umber, Cyprian Umber (A lovely dark green earth from Beckers, haven't seen this anywhere else) and some yellow ochre. To this I add linseed oil with about 25% turpentine to it until it reaches a watercolor like substance.. I just make sure this glazing layer is fatter than the one underneath.
//matt

Matt,

First of all, I greatly admire your work and appreciate your works-in-progress. They are quite educational and inspirational.
You are coming to a point now where I have some questions. I hope you'll excuse me if these are rudimentary.
Now, that you have underpainted the girl and her attire, will you use transparent glazes or is the underpainting a guide for opaque overpainting?
If they are transparent, do you, for instance, glaze the entire face with the same hue, or are the glazes varied?

Thanks,

Thom Byrd

01-30-2004, 01:44 PM

very nice :clap: but I liked it so much better with the plain white back-ground
thom :cat:

Matt Sammekull

01-30-2004, 04:10 PM

Hi Carol, - Thanks for your kind words. There is an innocence to the whole work that embraces the nudity - Exactly the way I feel about her!

shadowbxre, - thanks for commenting!

Hi Carol!
Now, that you have underpainted the girl and her attire, will you use transparent glazes or is the underpainting a guide for opaque overpainting?

Good question! I will not know for sure before I actually apply the paint (it's a gut-feeling-of-the-moment kind of thing), but I'm pretty positive I will paint the flesh in these steps:
1) Paint the shadows using transparent colors, glazing them over the grisaille.
2) Lay in the halftones in a more opaque, dominantly cool colors
3) Paint the lit parts using warm opaque, thickly applied colors
4) Add the final details of the face, such as refining edges and lines, plus add the high lights and blend the different areas where I find it necessary.

The hard thing for me will be to handle those edges separating the figure from the background. It's very hard to achieve good lost and soft edges when the background is already there, finished and dry. But, with a little tweaking I might be able to fix that.

Thom Byrd, - Thanks man! Well wait until she's finished until the final verdict will ya? ;)

(I also loved her at that stage...)

Thanks all,

//matt

Alan Cross

01-30-2004, 06:09 PM

Looking good Matt....looking forward to the finsh...
Alan :)

Matt Sammekull

03-25-2004, 09:25 AM

Remember this???
Well I almost don't!

I worked on this some more yesterday, and just took a picture of it. There are some shadows from the trees outside my studio window, but ignore those.
I glazed, and applied think paint to the underpainting. Pretty much using only ochre, transp. red (Becker's) burnt umber and Ivory black.

I WILL finish this one.

//matt

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/25-Mar-2004/15549-update.jpg

Craig Houghton

03-25-2004, 09:52 AM

This looks all the more stunning Matt. I'm glad your committed to seeing it through, she's incredible. The ambience of the background is definitely working, and I am particuarly smitten with how well you handled the form of her upper eyelids.

Wonderful work!
Craig

Ophelia

03-25-2004, 10:16 AM

Matt,

I've been waiting to see an update on this wip. She is magnificent! The softness of her mouth is really amazing. Please keep working on her until she's finished, she's definitely worth it!

Thanks for posting your update, we all look forward to seeing more.

Ophelia

Alan Cross

03-25-2004, 11:32 AM

That looks great but where is the rest of her?
Alan :)

Geoff

03-25-2004, 12:05 PM

An amazing painting, all the way through to here.
Must say that now you've started putting some colour onto her face, that she seems somehow less innocent, now.
A revelation, glad I picked up this thread from my browsing. 'tis not often I can find the patience with a 33kb modem to look at such long threads LOL.
Don't forget to post the endings.

arlene

03-25-2004, 12:49 PM

I must remember to shut my mouth when looking at this...otherwise the bugs fly in ;) Matt this is really looking wonderful and I can't wait to see your progression.

Classical Vince

03-25-2004, 02:33 PM

We're all here rooting you on! This is looking fantastic Matt cant wait to see you cross the finish line! :)

-vince

Matt Sammekull

03-25-2004, 03:22 PM

Hi guys.

How nice you all are!

Craig, - funny you mentioned the eyelids. I also like the result there, after having some struggles with my palette for them.

Hi Ophelia, - I will work on her from now on, and nothing else until she is finished. So it should be a matter of a few days or so. Thanks for your kind words.

Well Alan, - she's right here:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/25-Mar-2004/15549-easel_this_evening.jpg

(By the way... those wallpapers are not my choice!!!!! I'm working on my new studio space so this corner of my attic will have to do for a while.)

I am just about to start on her arms and hands, I have my glass of Black currant tea, my palette set up and all ready to go. Cheers.

Geoff, - I agree on the fact that she gives a different appearance now with color. She was very innocent before, but now... there might be a sin or two in those eyes.

Hey Arlene! How's it going?
Yes.. you really want to avoid bugs getting inside your mouth. Thanks for commenting!

Heya Vince! It feels great to have such supporting as you yourself online buddies here at WC! Just check back in a few days and she'll be ready.

//matt

Alan Cross

03-25-2004, 03:26 PM

Thanks for showing all of her.....this is going to be so nice....but how long are you going to make us wait lol..... ;) just kidding take your time its going to worth the wait!
Alan :)

Stephen Brealey

03-25-2004, 07:23 PM

Matt, I feared you'd quietly given up on this one, and I was so looking forward to seeing it finished. It's looking great :D

Lynn Larson

03-25-2004, 07:57 PM

Matt, she is stunning! I love the background, and the enhanced color in the face is amazing. So are you tired of hearing how great you are yet :evil:

I can't wait to see the finished product!!

dcorc

03-25-2004, 09:40 PM

Matt, The painting - and the girl - are beautiful :cool: ( but that wallpaper's hideous! http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/25-Mar-2004/30792-sick.jpg )

Dave

Matt Sammekull

03-26-2004, 04:50 AM

Hi.

Alan... I'm soon finished... trust me ;)

Stephen, - Thanks! I never ever thought of leaving her unfinished, although I see how many of you might have thought so.

llart, - Am I tired? Well... well actually no. Reading comments like yours is really great for my confidence and my will to go on. So thanks a lot!

Yes Dave... they really are horrific! I am amazed as I even can paint in this room. A scary fact is that the previous owner of my house put those up just a few years ago. I would have had more understanding if they had been put up in the 60's or something.

Here's the result of last nights painting; the hands.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Mar-2004/15549-hands.jpg

Notice how I mixed transparently applied paint with opaque, in shadows and light. As for the edges/outlines I smeared them out with the tip of my finger.
Today I'll refine some areas of the hands and continue with her stomach/hips/legs.

Cheers,

//matt

guillot

03-27-2004, 09:32 AM

Matt! This is coming along beautifully!! So great watching this one unfold.

Everyone should rate this thread!! Lots of good info here.

Tina

guillot

03-27-2004, 08:22 PM

FANTASTIC!! You guys are great for rating the thread!!!!! :clap:

Tina

JamieWG

03-27-2004, 08:43 PM

Matt, I have to say that starting out, this was not one of my favorites of your work. But you have definitely won me over in your last update as she comes to life!

Can't wait to see the new studio!

Jamie

LeeC

03-27-2004, 09:56 PM

Well I just found this thread and reallly, realllllllllly glad I did. Just awesome Matt. As a matter of fact, you're so awesome, I'm packing for Sweden this very minute. So look at your calendar and let me know what kind of openings you got!!! Well I can dream, can't I???

chandlerjr

03-27-2004, 11:49 PM

Matt,
This figure study is incredible. I love your flesh tones and blending. In your post of 3-25-04, we see your empty palette in preparation for you starting to paint. Would love to see your palette while working on the rest of the body. I have learned that an artist's palette during painting tells you much about how the artist works. Please do another Work In Progress soon! :clap:
Larry C.

guillot

03-28-2004, 01:34 AM

Yep - a gem - not neccessarily the painting (which is awesome).........but Matt ;)

Tina

CarolChretien

03-29-2004, 02:50 PM

Glad to see you back and finishing this one...my favorite by the way. :clap:

MarciaJane

03-29-2004, 05:25 PM

Excellent work Matt......it's just beautiful ! :)

Matt Sammekull

03-30-2004, 06:37 PM

Hi all, and thanks for your wonderful feed-back!

I don't have the time right now to answer each and every one of you, but I will eventually.

Here's a poor picture of the painting as it looks on my easel right now.

I continued painting the flesh areas, refined some shadows and lights... only the blouse left to paint. Still not sure about which color to choose.

Cheers, and again - Thanks!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/30-Mar-2004/15549-update.jpg

Alan Cross

03-30-2004, 06:46 PM

Great progress.....nice to see the whole thing.....
Alan :)

Lynn Larson

03-30-2004, 07:07 PM

Geez Matt, she is stunning! As for my .02, I think the blouse needs to be red or a deep satin blue. I'm sure whatever you do will be terrific, and I'm dying to see the finished work.

Dana Design

03-30-2004, 11:39 PM

Matt, this is so beautiful! I can't imagine what else could possibly improve this.

MarciaJane

03-31-2004, 07:01 AM

I agree with Dana Matt ! ... it looks fantastic as it is !

Waiting to see it when you have finished it though ! :) :)

Bottoni

03-31-2004, 11:16 AM

Excellent work Matt. I think there is a nice harmony between the background and the figure, but what a dilemma when deciding on the fabric...I might go with an 'off-white', or a very neutral colour, because I wouldn't want the fabric to be distracting and catch a lot of attention.
I have to ask, for my own struggle with various ways of painting flesh, what would you say is the ratio of opaque finishes to glazed finishes on this figure? Are all your shadows and highlights opaque, leaving only the middle tones for glazes, or are you painting everything opaque over the underpainting, leaving glazes for the very end? I know there is no exact or correct method, but to understand your process will help us see how you achieved this effect with this particular work.

Thanks.
David

artbabe21

04-01-2004, 09:33 AM

Matt...she's drop dead gorgeous...:) I had been watching this in the oils forum but had not seen the completion to color. Her sweetness comes through with her innocent yet sultry pose. Those EYES!! A stunner!! :)

Matt Sammekull

04-02-2004, 02:19 PM

Hi guys!

Thanks Tina, for thinking this thread is worth some good ratings! I know I have learned a lot during the process of finishing it.

Jamie, - I'm re-building my new studio, and I temporarily sit in a room at my attic... so not much to see for now. But once the studio is finished, I'll post it. It'll be so great!

Hi Lee, - so you think I'm awesome... that make you awesome in my eyes! You're welcome anytime you can fit it in your schedule. I'll be here... painting. And don't bother bringing your art supplies... I well stocked up!

Larry, - the palette on the image you mentioned is not empty. It's prepared, ready to go to action, with:

- White (lead/zinc)
- Yellow ochre pale
- Brown ochre
- Cad. red pale
- Burnt umber
- Mars black

I agree, a palette after a session can tell you a lot about the artists technique. Mine is always pretty neat and clean. I don't mix that much.. usually two or three colors max. I'll start on a new WIP shortly.

Carol, - thanks for commenting!

And you too Marcia! Much appreciated.

Hi Lynn. I did paint it blue first, then red... but didn't like anyone of those, so I decided on black! (as you can see below)

Hey Dana! Always good to hear from you. Cheers.

Davis (Bottoni), Hi.
I wouldn't want the fabric to be distracting and catch a lot of attention.
My thinking exactly. I do think she is very beautiful and those eyes are the essence of the painting. They carry it. SO as I mentioned above, the blue and the red took away something from her. I think the black adds to the feeling here.
My ratio? Wow.. I dunno really. I start out painting my shadows with fluid transparent paint, sometimes rub them down with my fingers. Then I go for the middle tones, using a more opaque color and finally the lights with fully opaque paint. So it would only be in the shadows where the original under painting would be visible.

Hey Cath!! Thank you so much darlin'!

All the best, to everyone who follows this,

/matt

The lady tonight... not much to do now but to build up some more light and deepen some shadows in the blouse. Not the greatest quality of the image... but you get the picture right?

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Apr-2004/15549-update.jpg

Bottoni

04-02-2004, 03:24 PM

Bottom line...its a stunning piece of work :clap: I would classify this painting, by composition and style, as timeless, and that is why it should belong in the Classical category. This painting will stand the test of time.

David

Danny

04-03-2004, 02:11 AM

:clap: Oh Mannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn I can't wait to see this finished. :clap: :clap:

Pyroteh

04-03-2004, 03:49 AM

wow... that is amazing!!... like I'm looking at a painting from back int he victorian era... or what ever time in history all those great paintings came up.. except the girl looks very modern... very nice.. its an inspirational piece to me... very very nice.. :D I look forward to seeing your next painting...

Biki

04-03-2004, 04:29 PM

Hi Matt. This is simply superb.

When you finish, can we have some close ups.?

especially of your edges? ... something I am always struggling with. :rolleyes:

Matt Sammekull

04-04-2004, 05:29 AM

Many many thanks David! It means a lot to me.

Soon Danny... soon.

Hey Pyro! What have you set to flame lately?! Thanks for your comments man!

Hi Biki! Thanks a million! Just name what you would like to see up-close and I'll show it to you! That goes for all of you.

//matt

Geoff

04-04-2004, 06:10 AM

She's a beautiful young lady, you have done her proud.
I particularly like the way you have done the blouse, moulding it very realistically around her form.
:clap:

Stephen Brealey

04-04-2004, 06:12 AM

Matt, I think this is something of a masterpiece of yours - you should be very proud of it :)

I bet everyone would like to see close-ups of the hands and face for certain. I even like the background on this (something I struggle to get just right for the picture).

Matt Sammekull

04-04-2004, 08:11 AM

Here you go Stephen:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Apr-2004/15549-closeup_hands.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Apr-2004/15549-closerup_hands.jpg

//matt

Matt Sammekull

04-04-2004, 08:27 AM

And face:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Apr-2004/15549-face.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Apr-2004/15549-facecloseup.jpg

In the last picture, you clearly can see the transparency in the tempest, paint applied rather thinly, and smoothed out with my finger tip working together it with the middle values and light.

//matt

Biki

04-04-2004, 02:54 PM

Thanks for the close -ups Matt.
You sure are sure footed. These are like seeing it close up in the flesh.
Marvellous.

I can see how smooth your surface is too. No canvas weave visible.
This one is on board, right.?

I am thinking of changing my surface to see if I can do a bit better - so i clicked back to this:

If by "board" you mean masonite, yes I do prefer it - WHEN I want a smooth finish. Otherwise I prefer linen canvas on stretchers.

It' actually somewhat of a "flavor of the month" thing.

//matt

So can you tell us when & why you would prefer a different surface.? - or is it just on a whim.?

bjs0704

04-04-2004, 02:56 PM

Matt - Your painting has turned out wonderfully! I have learn so much following your progress. Thanks for letting us see your work.

Barb Solomon :cat:

Matt Sammekull

04-04-2004, 05:08 PM

Biki, - This is actually canvas... cotton canvas. But I did prime it several times with an oil-based primer before I went to work.
My decision is not just a whim... I "see" the finished painting before I even lay down the first brushstroke, and that "vision" tells me to use a smooth panel or a more vivid surface.

I can with almost 100% accuracy say that when I desire a classical smooth look, I go with panel, but when I want my paint to have something more to grab on to, I choose canvas.

Hi Barb, - thanks a million for commenting!

//matt

artmom

04-04-2004, 05:30 PM

Matt, I am in absolute awe of your talent. Thank you so much for sharing your processes with us. The choice of the dark blouse just brings out the delicious flesh tones superbly. A real "Classic." :)

Lyn

artbabe21

04-04-2004, 08:06 PM

LOVE those close ups....you're a swertheart... ;)

chandlerjr

04-04-2004, 10:04 PM

Matt,
What I like about the close ups from an instructional standpoint is your use of warm and cool colors next to each other. This symphony of warm and cool is what makes skin come alive. You have mastered the technique that I have been working on in my own work for the last several months.

A side note, are you very well known, as an artist, in Sweden? If not, something is horribly wrong with the state of Swedish art! :)
Larry C.

Matt Sammekull

04-05-2004, 03:11 AM

Hi.

Lyn, - thanks! If it's a classic then it sure found an appropriate forum to be displayed in!

Hi Cath! - "Swertheart" is an English word I'm not familiar with to be honest... ;) but I thank you anyways!

Hi Larry, - Warmth vs. Cool, Opaque vs. Transparency, Low key vs. High key... there we have the battles going on for every painting we try to finish.

A side note, are you very well known, as an artist, in Sweden?

- Nah... there's a few collectors/buyers who kind of like what I do, but that's it. I'd rather sell to someone who understands about art and respects it than to someone who simply thinks the painting "looks cool" or something.
Selling has never been important to me, although it's really nice when it happens. I would paint exactly as much if I never sold anything and I actually give a lot of my paintings away for free.
Then there is the occasional portrait commission of course.

I'm a first and foremost a dad and a fiancée. Painting is what I do in between moments of spending time with the family.

I'm planning an exhibition late this year though, with the intention to "get rid" of some canvases laying around collecting dust as well as show this years production.

Cheers,

//matt

Biki

04-05-2004, 04:49 AM

So Matt, do you make your living thru your art.? - or do you have to tear yourself away from it to support your family.?

Biki, - This is actually canvas... cotton canvas. But I did prime it several times with an oil-based primer before I went to work.

Oh my, now this brings up yet another question. Why oil based primer.? I had not heard of this before. Why not acrylic based.?

Sorry, if you answer this one, I promise to leave you alone for at least ... a week. :D

Matt Sammekull

04-05-2004, 05:22 AM

Hey Biki!

Well, I don't rely on an income from my art to live my life, and maintain a certain standard for my family. And I rarely have to tear myself away from the easel. We have a good plan, a good structure we follow in order to keep everyone happy. It's all about communication.

I use oil primer when I want a surface with less tooth to it. I can sometimes use acrylic for a few layers and finish with an oil based, tinted or not.

And don't you worry about asking too many questions!

//matt

Ant Carlos

04-05-2004, 10:27 AM

Hi Matt :)

Nice work.
Nice Vermeerian mouth you have there. We, classic painters, tend to be derivative. Thank God ;)

Keep it up, mate.

Ant

Matt Sammekull

04-05-2004, 11:46 AM

Olá meu amigo!

Nice to hear from you again! What's been keeoing you away from the forum lately? Paintnig?

Love to see something new from your talented hands and mind.

//matt

artbabe21

04-05-2004, 12:14 PM

LOVE those close ups....you're a swertheart... ;)

Now, I am making up new words...LOL...meant sweetheart, an enderament like darlin'........:) "swertheart" is after a few glasses of wine which I wasn't doing...LOL

Ant Carlos

04-05-2004, 05:39 PM

Matt,

Thanks for your extremely kind words.

yep, I've been painting half time. The other half is for architecture :)

I have a lot of WIPs around, you know, those kind of stuff you keep waiting for the final inspiration. Actually I am up to some new portraits, which I work in layers and try not to run. Those are the ones I have to finish, one war or another.. hehe! One of them is right on my easel, picture bellow.

I'll post a better image in a new topic when I have something worth of seeing :)

Cheers,

Ant

Gia

04-05-2004, 08:04 PM

I dont know how i missed this untill now ,.... thank you so much, a lot of usefull information in this beautiful work.

Lemnus

04-06-2004, 02:33 PM

Lots of comments already, but I can't resist. Your original post mentioned you felt this might be the work of your lifetime so far. Yes, yes! It's the pose. As others have said, the vulnerability. I have followed along with this and have felt a terrible fear that you would lose this along the way, especially with all the input. When I read the "panties" discussion, I thought it was all over! But I can see you are handling it excellently and those fears were ungrounded. This is the kind of masterwork pose that, with the right rendering (which your are doing), you see in a museum and you stop, you melt, you don't breathe. This is a truly beautiful piece of art.

siberart

04-06-2004, 02:46 PM

Thank you for posting the progress - better than a workshop - so close up and personal.

You have a marvelous talent. The painting is stellar.

artbabe21

04-06-2004, 03:21 PM

This is the kind of masterwork pose that, with the right rendering (which your are doing), you see in a museum and you stop, you melt, you don't breathe. This is a truly beautiful piece of art.

YEAH! That's exactly how I felt about this work!! masterful! :clap:

PS...Matt you can mail it to me now! LOL

arlene

04-06-2004, 03:56 PM

I only wish i could see this one in person. Wonderful.

Biki

04-07-2004, 01:37 AM

Hey Matt,

I know my week is not up yet :rolleyes: - but can you tell me this:

When you do your underpainting, are you painting normal thickness for the paint, or are you painting in a more turpsy manner.?

I am trying an underpainting right now & keeping it very thin, but I don't have a lot of control over the paint like you seem to. I am thinking you are going thicker - as in normal thickness. And I forget - are you using a medium at all.?

thanks

Ms Wannaknowitall. :D

Matt Sammekull

04-07-2004, 05:00 AM

Cath, - "swertheart" is after a few glasses of wine which I wasn't doing...LOL

Oh, I see! Now how would you sound if you had been drinking a few bottles? "Schwee..." something. Or maybe "zzzz"...

About sending you the painting... hrm... I afraid not.;) And besides... do you think one household could manage more than one painting from my hands? :)Hugs.

Hey Ant, - now that is what Icall a high quality professional easel! ;)
I have a lot of WIPs around, you know, those kind of stuff you keep waiting for the final inspiration
- Don't I know it! I have a ton of those myself... many will never be finished.
Good to hear you're still painting though and I am looking forward to see some new stuff.

Gia, - Thanks for your nice words.

Lemnus, - It's the pose.
I couldn't agree more on that. This painting has reminded me of one very important thing; the foundation to a great painting lays in the composition, the pose if you will, - not in the technique. A good technique will of course raise the great to even more great. BUT.. without a good solid composition/idea for a painting your skills are superfluous. More time should be spent on composition and ideas in general I believe.
When I read the "panties" discussion, I thought it was all over!
I kind of did too... at one stage I felt bad about this painting, lacking inspiration to go on with it. But I'm glad I did. Many times, the one single issue that brings you down is fixed with a new session, or even just some new fresh brush strokes applied. Its' all about getting pass that hinder.

This is the kind of masterwork pose that, with the right rendering (which your are doing), you see in a museum and you stop, you melt, you don't breathe. This is a truly beautiful piece of art.

I don't know what to say... when I read the statement above for the first time I just found myself so utterly overwhelmed. I have never received a finer comment than yours on any of my work... - ever! So thank you SO much. You made my day/week/month! I'm actually going to print that quote out, and place it somewhere near my easel, for inspiration and a reminder of how a painting can effect one person.

siberart, - Hey! Many many thanks! I'll stat a new WIP soon enough so make sure to comment on that as well, asking for info or/and images whenever you desire to.

Thanks Arlene!

Biki, - When you do your underpainting, are you painting normal thickness for the paint, or are you painting in a more turpsy manner.?

I only use turps for large areas of backgrounds and such. And then, only a small amount. But the rest of the underpaintig is applied with paint straight from the tube usually. If the paint apllied looks "thin" it's because that's the character of the transparent paint I'm using. I use only Beckers paint and the consistency is so beautiful to work with. Only pure pigments and a drying oil. I highly recommend them!
Also, the surface plays a big part in how your paint handles. You have no control you say. Whats' your surface?

I mixed up a medium of linseed oil, turpentine and mastic varnish (50-20-30%) which gives a glow to the paint and makes them easy to handle. But when and if I use this, it's again only in small amounts. For example, adding some rose to the cheeks; I used pure Beckers Transparent Red with a touch of medium to it and simply glazed that area of the cheek I wanted to be a little red.

Cheers everyone!

By the way... the painting is FINISHED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just need to wait for it to dry some, and then I'll post an image.

/Matt

Biki

04-07-2004, 05:30 AM

Biki, -

I only use turps for large areas of backgrounds and such. And then, only a small amount. But the rest of the underpaintig is applied with paint straight from the tube usually. If the paint apllied looks "thin" it's because that's the character of the transparent paint I'm using. I use only Beckers paint and the consistency is so beautiful to work with. Only pure pigments and a drying oil. I highly recommend them!
Also, the surface plays a big part in how your paint handles. You have no control you say. Whats' your surface?

I mixed up a medium of linseed oil, turpentine and mastic varnish (50-20-30%) which gives a glow to the paint and makes them easy to handle. But when and if I use this, it's again only in small amounts. For example, adding some rose to the cheeks; I used pure Beckers Transparent Red with a touch of medium to it and simply glazed that area of the cheek I wanted to be a little red.

Cheers everyone!

By the way... the painting is FINISHED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just need to wait for it to dry some, and then I'll post an image.

/Matt

My surface is cotton canvas - pre primed, but for the first time, I did the gesso & sanding thing on top & got a smooth finish. I like it.
To paint I use 3 turp/2 liquin/i oil - i see you use more oil. Maybe because I am a timid painter, I like to use more turp. So wary of the fat over lean issue.
However, I will try adding my medium now & see what happens.

I posted the WIP on "what's on your easel" - just tonight's little underpainting effort .... trying to do it "your" way. I wish you lived next door - I would pay you to be my mentor. :D
Hey - wanna move to Oz? - pretty cool down under - at least where I live. :)

CarolChretien

04-07-2004, 08:59 AM

It has been said better by everyone posting before me... :clap:

You can call this a "masterpiece" in anyone's terms.
Thanks for sharing your process along the way.
Most excellent!

Ant Carlos

04-08-2004, 08:13 AM

Hehe, Matt
that's my french easel, but since I am painting indoors and don't have much room for the legs, I placed it on an old chair. My real set up stands in my office and I keep another one in my home for when I have that glance of time and inspiration.

Cheers cheers

Ant

Matt Sammekull

04-15-2004, 08:55 AM

Well here it is, FINALLY, the finished painting. So millions of thanks to everyone who has been supporting me through out the making of this one. And sorry for taking so long! ;)

I started out by saying this would be maybe the highlight of my artistic career. Here's a tip for you; - don't ever do that! I built up so much expectation and hope that I was almost afraid to work on it. In the end though, it did turn out to be the finest piece of art I have ever painted. I'm proud of it.

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

//Matt

"Innocence"
Oil on canvas, 90x70 cm (36x28")

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Apr-2004/15549-innocence.jpg

Rosic

04-15-2004, 09:07 AM

She's Perfect! :clap: :clap: :clap:

Congrats Matt!

Bern

Ophelia

04-15-2004, 09:34 AM

Matt,

I looked at this thread just yesterday and saw your message from a week ago saying your painting was finished and you would post a photo as soon as it was dry, and I kept thinking, when will it be dry?! ;)

And here she is - she is absolutely magnificent. Thank you for taking us on your journey. You are an inspiration and a artist extraordinaire.

Susan

Ant Carlos

04-15-2004, 10:06 AM

Congratulations, Matt :-)

I couldn't do any better. Really nice work

Ant

Alan Cross

04-15-2004, 11:04 AM

Worth the wait Matt....its a wonderful peice....
Alan :)

arlene

04-15-2004, 01:06 PM

Well here it is, FINALLY, the finished painting. So millions of thanks to everyone who has been supporting me through out the making of this one. And sorry for taking so long! ;)

I started out by saying this would be maybe the highlight of my artistic career. Here's a tip for you; - don't ever do that! I built up so much expectation and hope that I was almost afraid to work on it. In the end though, it did turn out to be the finest piece of art I have ever painted. I'm proud of it.

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

//Matt

I would agree with you, but then again I know your next piece will be your greatest. With each piece we do, we can only improve. She's beautiful, mysterious, sexy, innocent...wekk worth the wait.

Lemnus

04-15-2004, 03:54 PM

Renoir is quoted to have said something to the effect that "I'm never done with a nude until I feel I could reach out and pinch her." Well, do you feel like that? I do. I am so happy for you. You had a vision, and you realized it. Congratulations on a job very well done! If you ever get tired of looking at her (the painting) I'll be glad to proudly display her in my house. :D

Biki

04-17-2004, 04:06 AM

Matt?

Is that little mark at the lower right, that looks like an exclaimation mark, your signature.?

tell us about it.?

Matt Sammekull

04-17-2004, 10:04 AM

Thanks guys!!

Biki, that is the signature for sure. I sign my painting "mavin" after my name Matt Viinanen (ma+vin), Logically speaking, these should be two i's.. but "maviin" didn't look good to me. So one i it is.

I placed it at angle so it helps out drawing attention to the girls face, and adds to that triangular composition.

//matt

asy

04-17-2004, 10:36 AM

Hiya Matt!

She's absolutely gorgeous... :clap: :clap: :clap:

I am awestruck.

By the way, did I mention that my Grandfather was born in Helsingborg? :)

Thanks again for sharing her, can't wait for the next one.

asy :D

guillot

04-17-2004, 11:47 AM

Matt!! This is just superb, breathless work!! Congratulations. The skin tones are beautiful!!

Now - do we have a HOF in the Classical forum?? I need to move a copy of this there !!

Thanks everyone for voting!! It helps to determine what everone finds "above the mark" - educational, inspiring and useful information worthy of the Hall of Fame.

Tina

Classical Vince

04-18-2004, 02:35 AM

ah Matt! Sensual and masterful work! Almost 7K views on this thread, you had quite an audience - your work is outstanding. I agree, the fleshtones are fabulous. Keep up the great work - I'll be subscribing to any of your wips around here! :clap: :clap: :cool:

guillot

04-18-2004, 11:30 AM

Hi Vince and everyone - I put up a poll to get a "Hall of Fame" in this forum. If we can't get one here, I would at least like to put a copy of this in the Oil Painting Forum Hall of Fame.

So - if you guys haven't voted, please do. It would only benefit the forum to have one. Your choice :)

Here it is:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=182645

Thanks,
Tina

Danny

05-18-2004, 05:38 AM

SIGHHHHHHHHHHH. :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
I started out by saying this would be maybe the highlight of my artistic career. Here's a tip for you; - don't ever do that! I built up so much expectation and hope that I was almost afraid to work on it. In the end though, it did turn out to be the finest piece of art I have ever painted. I'm proud of it.
You should be proud Matt It's extraordinary. About your quote though. NO NO NO Mate this the first of many of the highlight of my artistic career Celebrate then get off your butt and start the next one. This is awesome, but don't stop now. The next one will be just as much worth the effort put forth. Now you have done it, we are expecting great things from you, because you have given us a glimpse of greatness. :D