The Portrait Gallery, August, 2006

[valchina612]

The Portrait Gallery, August, 2006

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What's on your easel this month? Show a finished portrait or one in any stage of progress. This thread is for showcasing your work; others will only critique your work if you request it .

Here is a link in case you need help attaching your art work:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Articles2/44487/496/

So please show us what you've been up to this month. We'd love to see

Even if you have already shown it in the main portraiture forum, you are invited to showcase it in this thread too.

Val.

[Mandy Valin]

"Smile Pretty"
WIP
Pecil on Mi-Teinte, the first time I've attempted a pencil protrait on this paper, wanted to experiment. I like it so far, I'm working on the smooth side though and for some reason the rough texture on the back fo the paper is starting to show through in the dark parts of the hair.
So far only HB mechanical pencil used in this so far, about 3 hours of work

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Aug-2006/10914-Smilepretty.jpg

Please C&C ! This is really an experiment I'd really like to hear everyones thoughts and suggestions

[Rowey]

Hi liking this portrait - love the smile and the happy eyes -wonderful job!

[nancyl746]

here is another commision, just finished. Again started in painter 9.5 printed on canvas and finished in oils
Hope you like it
Nanc

[valchina612]

MANDY -- This is looking absolutely great, and you have captured a beautiful personality. No crits whatsover on this. :clap: :thumbsup:

NANC -- What a gorgeous Portrait of this little girl. I just love the way you have rendered her face and hair, and her dress is superb. A great background as well. SUPER work. :clap: :thumbsup:

Val. :wave:

[leesmith]

I have no crit on the 2 portraits they are gorgeous!

Nancy, this is just my opinion and you don't have to take any heed to it. Your signature is legible which is good but I think it's detracting from this magnificent work. The slant and the color is too light making a sharp contrast against the dark background.

I read that signatures should be 1 or 2 values lighter or darker than the color they appear on, always signed straight, in paint, at least 1 inch from bottom and side edges, more if the canvas is large.

[Anda G]

Hi, Val. :wave: I haven't seen you in a while. I am taking Al's class over in drawing/sketching. Here is the Lady Sophie. It amazing how many different Sophies there are. :lol:

Derwent drawing pencils. Brown ochre, ventian red, terracotta. Strathmore drawing pad. 14" by 16"
I cropped the image, so you won't see the white border.
Andagail

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Aug-2006/59007-Lady_Sweb.jpg

[sandyzebra]

This is a portrait direct from my mind, but it began to look like my brother's profile. I was just "smudging" acrylics on to paper and basically the image appeared except for a few minor tweaks that were intentional. Then I took it into Corel Painter and sharpened the colors in the head-dress area to make it look better (to my eye anyway). I am not calling it done because I need to define some areas. He had passed away and other than trying a colored pencil portrait, had never tried an acrylic one. I was surprised when I saw the image come through. (I know this is weird)... So this is pure fantasy.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Aug-2006/53741-bill0001d-1.jpg

[leesmith]

I started this on Friday afternoon,this about 2 1/2 hours work
acrylics on 11 X 14, WIP so it needs more finessing all over.

I "draw" with paint from the very beginning, adjusting each shape by comparing it to the one next to it.

This is my grandmother, she passed away in 98 and she was around 70ish here..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/artchick48/Nana1.jpg

[absinthedrinker]

I feel kind of intimidated posting this pic here, in view of all the wonderful portraits. Nancy, that little girl is gorgeous! I wonder how you got her started?

This is my very first attempt at painting a portrait. I used a reference photo that I saw on Wet Canvas months ago,(and snatched!) but as I painted the Spanish dancer she started to turn into someone I knew. weird.

I don't know where to go from here and I realize there's too much warmth and not enough cool, but I don't really know how to fix it. I just started painting with oils 6 months ago but have only done landscapes thus far.

Maryanne

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Aug-2006/86520-spanish_dancer1.jpg

http://www.galleryofforgottendreams.com

[Annapurna]

Hi All,

Nanc, please forgive my ignorance, but you began in what? printed on the canvas and then oil on top....I'm new to this, and haven't a clue what you mean..... it's gorgeous by the way!

Annapurna

[terence p]

I have been doing mostly commissioned animal portraits lately, but took some time to do this for my roommate from college. This is his wife who passed away a few years ago. He was devastated andI didnt think he could have handled receiving this before now.

[Netty]

I just posted my last portrait in the portraiture forum, before I discovered this thread....

There are some wonderful works here, very beautiful...
Nanc, your little girl is just adorable,
Mandy, I love your smiley Girl, beautiful tones.
So many diverse ways of painting a face...

Dont feel intimidated Maryanne, you are off to a great start. She is very exotic with lovely warm tones...

What a beautiful gift for your friend Terry, Lovely painting...

Netty

[gbritnell]

This is a piece that I just completed. I had posted it in the colored pencil forum. It is for a friend who has always needled me about getting some of my artwork. I had gone to a party and saw her daughter sitting quietly by herself and took some pictures. When I got home and looked at them I thought this would make a nice picture for her mother so I eliminated the background from the photo and added my own. I had received some cropping suggestions and applied those also.
George

[RWSewell]

Hi Val! Hope you're over the worst of the flu...better yet, hope it's waaay behind you!
Like Andagail I've been taking Al's drawing class. I'll spare you my Sophie but I'll share my followup:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Aug-2006/81425-100_0223.jpg

Thought I'd try my hand at a portrait of Stephen King, inspired in large part by David Dowbyhuz's painting. Long live Roland Deschain...and may the Tower never fall!
:cool: Rob

[Netty]

Rob , I just love your portrait!!
I have been doing Al's drawing class too, and am in the middle of my own portrait. These pencils are wonderful to use, and I especially love what you have done with yours!! Its just fantastico!!!

I have been playing around with how to reaply the same colour in layers, building up tonal values . You have done a wonderful job...

Netty...

[leesmith]

Here is an update on my grandmother, this is a better resemblance, the next layer will be oil

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/artchick48/HNana2.jpg

[SallyAnn]

:eek: WOWEEE is all I can say for ALL the work posted so far. Almost thought about not posting mine..!

Below is the world's worst self portrait :) I started out with great intentions and was working from a small photo taken a few years ago in the house I loved, but had to sell to come to Canada. In the end, I made some adjustments so the body is younger, and the face and hair is more like me now, along with the glasses I have been wearing instead of contacts.

All in all... I don't like it.. lmao... but it was a great experience and one I am not likely to try again! (Self portrait that is).

Great work everyone.. happy painting!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Aug-2006/46757-Sally.jpg

[BermudaArt]

Hi all, I posted one of these (male) in another thread a little while ago, the other one was finished last month. Both are delivered to the clients and were well received. Still interested in C&C though.

Both are oils, 18x24 inches.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Aug-2006/41631-MVC-786F.JPG

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Aug-2006/41631-MVC-708F.JPG

[BermudaArt]

SallyAnn, trust me, that is not the world's worst self portrait ... mine was which is why I destroyed it ... I like yours, it looks to me like it has captured you!

[SallyAnn]

Chris..... I love that first one... looks more like a photo than a painting.
For me.. as a errm non starter.. the womans hair seems to kind of disappear into the background a bit, but still a lovely portrait.

As for mine....its edging its way to the dumpster!

I did learn a lot.. and mostly how I see things, particulary me. Interesting to hear my hubby's comments..... nah, that's not the 'you' I know. It WAS a step too far for me at this stage, in my opinion, but as I said, it did teach me a lot. So hopefully I can put those lessons into my next painting.. and of course make more mistakes. :)

The one thing I wonder. For ME, whenever I have a photo taken I look different, in all of them.. but others seem to look the same no matter what pose they appear in.

Anyways........ I'm sitting here celebrating my birthday....... and the joy of that is, its been my birthday for hours 'back home' and its just starting here!

[capricorne]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Aug-2006/12526-Guy.jpg
Watercolor portrait of my landlord in the Provence France August 2006.
Quarthersheet after a ref photo took by meself for painting purpose.

[momof6]

I am inspired to comment on this one capricorne! I just LOVE it - it is so fresh and original and a BEAUTIFUL portrait. WELL DONE!

[JamieM]

I like that watercolor too capricorne.
I'm currently working on this oil of my buddy:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/22-Aug-2006/43693-Mannella-WIP.jpg

[capricorne]

Thanks Tracy..Jamie thanks also..the portrait of your friend is outstanding..you are a skilfull artist :thumbsup:

[Annapurna]

[QUOTE=BermudaArt]Hi all, I posted one of these (male) in another thread a little while ago, the other one was finished last month. Both are delivered to the clients and were well received. Still interested in C&C though.


Hi Chris,

Brave work! C & C.... I noticed that I couldn't pull my eyes away from the teeth of the male portrait... whether it's the colour of them, or just they don't look quite natural somehow... ???

Annapurna

[Bertnz]

Went to an acrylic figurative class over the weekend and the tutor suggested I attempt this lovely lady - I have not done many portraits so helpful comments would be appreciated. It is acrylic (obviously) 16 x 20 inch (40 x 50 cm). The photo does not really do the painting justice - cant seem to get the hang of these digital cameras!!
Bert.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/23-Aug-2006/41714-Ballerina.JPG

[valchina612]

Oh My Goodness, fantastic Portraits have been posted in the Gallery this month. I have to commend you all on the high standard of amazing work.

Andagail -- This is a beautiful Portrait of your Sophie. I would love to have joined in on Al's Workshop too, but time has been very much against me, plus a long and horrible case of the 'flu. This is SO great Andagail. :clap:

Sandy -- Just love the colours you have used in this painting, and I am so glad it looks so much like your late brother. What a joy to have and to keep. :clap:

Lee -- Oh, what a beautiful Portrait of your Grandmother. Truly beautiful Lee, and a wonderful memento for you. :clap:

Maryanne -- Welcome to the Portrait Gallery. I really love this Portrait and I very much like it in the monotone colours you have here. If it were mine, I'd be leaving it as it is, as it is colourful and a happy painting. Love the way you have painted the dress. :clap:

Terry -- You are an amazing Artist. You never disappoint, whatever you do. This is a magnificent Portrait, and your friend is going to love it. What a pretty lady she was. Keep up the great work Terry, and I hope we see more of your Portraits soon. :clap:

George -- What a wonderful gift for your friend. This is a lovely Portrait, and I hope she was really happy with it. Keep up the great work. :clap:

Rob -- Great to see you in the Gallery. Thanks, the 'flu is almost gone -- just the remnants left now. Wow oh Wow, this is a gorgeous Portrait Rob. You have taken to the Pencils like a duck to water. Totally stunning work. :clap:

SallyAnn -- This is a great Self Portrait, and you have rendered it wonderfully well. I also like the way you have done the cushions etc. Super work. :clap:

Chris -- OMG, your two Portraits are absolutely stunning. You are a wonderful Portrait Artist and I do hope we will see more of your work right here in the Gallery. Superb. :clap:

Jan -- Wonderful Portrait as usual. You are such an amazing all-round artist, and this Portrait is beautifully rendered. Thanks so much for posting it in the Gallery. :clap:

Jamie -- This is looking great. Your friend is going to love it. Super work. :clap:

Bert -- Your Portrait done in the figurative class is wonderful. You have a great future ahead of you for Life Portraiture. Fantastic work. :clap:

Val. :wave:

[Ady_Yong]

:wave: I am in awe at the talent in here! I am new to portraiture - um, started after reading a tutorial done by Jean (Aquarelle10) in the Watercolour forum back in July. I currently work exclusively in watercolours. Here are August's efforts ...

1) my god-son, Zack
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/24-Aug-2006/69594-Zack.JPG

2) my niece, Megan
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/24-Aug-2006/69594-DSC00844.JPG

3) Jean herself
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/24-Aug-2006/69594-jh.JPG

4) This is still work in progress ... Chris (WC member, Mr Sandbanx)
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/24-Aug-2006/69594-DSC00851.JPG
Got a fair way to go with this one yet.

I am greatly inspired by so many of the incredible portraits in this forum. I did not think I was competent enough or confident enough to do portraiture before. But I am learning - and through the generosity of folk in WC when it comes to sharing tips and techniques, I am gaining a lot more confidence. Thank you all.

Ady:wave:

[valchina612]

Oh Ady, your Portraits are all stunning. Zach is done so beautifully, I'd just like to cuddle him. I just love the way you have done Jean's eyes and facial features, and her hair is wonderful. And I love the way you are rendering Chris -- I can feel you are right on with your likenesses. Superb work, and thankyou so much for adding your wonderful Portraits to our Gallery. :clap: :clap: :thumbsup:

Val. :wave:

[leesmith]

beautiful portraits! The children are stunning beautiful shining eyes..Sally Ann i think what you did was a perfect contemporary portrait..i've done 3 of my self and like none, all done from photos would love to rig up mirrors and try from life. I would need to be within about 2 ft of my reflection..

I love all the watercolor ones, I think i've admired capricornes on other threads..they make me want to get out my watercolors :)

I have finished my grandmother's portrait, my mom loved it..colors aren't just right as always. I try to avoid painting wrinkles, so I have to keep at it until the age seems right, this would be in her 70's she passed over at 94. For practice I'll probably do another of her in her 90's.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/artchick48/Nanafull08222006.jpg

[valchina612]

Lee, this is gorgeous, and I'm so pleased your Mom loved it, but I'm not at all surprised. It really is beautiful. I'm looking so forward to seeing your next one. :clap: :clap: :thumbsup:

Val. :wave:

[jocelynsart]

I had not peeked in here, wow!
Jamie, I totally love that portrait of your friend. Jan, again, another great wc portrait.
Terence, I really like your style in your realistic portraits. Loose but suggesting detail.
Lee, nice to see you here. I like the brush strokes in this and I don't think your colours are bad at all. A very impressionistic piece. The age seems right to me. How lovely she was at that age too.

After a failed one this month, I am back on this older piece.

Jocelyn

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/30-Aug-2006/8354-kidsbeach1.jpg

[amyeverhart]

This is wonderful to see so many talented artists. I love the wide range of techniques found here.

Here is my latest portrait. This painting was completed in just a few hours; to experiment with speed, color and a looser style. I have now donated it to the Wyoming Watercolor Society for this years raffle book.

The original:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/30-Aug-2006/62991-Original_samller.JPG

The finished product:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/30-Aug-2006/62991-WIP5_small.JPG

If anyone has feedback for future paintings I am all ears.

[valchina612]

JOCELYN -- Your painting is very good and is a lovely scene as well as Portrait. Are these your children? :clap: :thumbsup:

AMY -- I love your Portrait. Your palette is excellent and you have rendered the boy wonderfully well. :clap: :thumbsup:

Val. :wave:

[jocelynsart]

Thanks Val. Yes, those are my 2 kids from about 3 yrs ago now. I started this 2 yrs ago and left it due to time restraints but it has been calling to me lately lol!
I am enjoying it because the painting process feels right, like it is moving forward, and not back and forth fixing stuff.

[amyeverhart]

Val: This is my little guy as well. He just tooked toocute in his Grandpa's hat.

Jocelyn: I love your painting. I think it looks perfect. I went and viewed your website. You do beautiful work!

[leesmith]

Thank you Val! Hi Jocelyn, it's good to see you and I'm looking forward to seeing more of your portraits :)

[leesmith]

Thank you Val! Hi Jocelyn, it's good to see you and I'm looking forward to seeing more of your portraits :)

[leesmith]

Thank you Val! Hi Jocelyn, it's good to see you and I'm looking forward to seeing more of your portraits :)

[valchina612]

Thankyou Everyone for all of the WONDERFUL Portraits this month. A new Thread has been started for September. :clap: :clap: :thumbsup:

Val. :wave: