The Portrait Gallery, January 2010

[Dana Design]

The Portrait Gallery, January 2010-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Happy New Year!
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 .

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

Even if you have already shown it in the main portraiture forum, you are invited to showcase it in this thread, also, as this thread will remain in the Library Archives.

And be sure to check out previous Portrait Galleries. Lots of great work in there!

[bethanyt]

This was a Christmas gift to my daughter of her boyfriend. (She liked it!:thumbsup:)
Patel on matboard 40cm x 30cm.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Jan-2010/110135-aaron.jpg

[Dana Design]

BEthany, this is a real WOW! BEautifully painted. Love the pose and the expression. Well done!

[tutunoma]

Hello everybody and a happy new painting year!
I tried to oilpaint a portrait of my granson for Christmas but the result was not satisfactory to me. So I started anew and hope it will become a new year gift then... when it gets ready, some time this year...
I' m now working on the dead layer and hope to get some lessons about the Classical layered Method from a friend who has a classical education in painture before I go to the color layers. But I will send you the WIP for your C&C now.
Please give your ideas as long as I may change things at this level.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Jan-2010/199979-cosi_neu_002swwc.jpg
Thank you.

[Ernest Friedman-Hill]

Watercolor on 140lb cold-press, 9x12"; xp from wc forum. I'm really a newbie to watercolor -- C&C welcome.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Jan-2010/104085-IMG_4572.JPG

[berningc]

Here's what's on my easel: I'm working on a commission for a friend of mine. I decided to practice it before I started the final painting. So this is done on 18 x 24 canvas board, oils. The final will be done on a 20 x 24 canvas, I think. I had originally planned to do a seated pose showing his hands, but, even with a larger canvas, there just seems to be too much robe and not enough head. C & C welcome.
Carol
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Jan-2010/131950-Steve_portrait_again.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Jan-2010/131950-Steve_closeup_again.jpg

[gaensanger]

Finished this one this week. It was a portrait commission for a friend. It was an interresting challenge.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Jan-2010/94183-s_Mom_18.jpg

[lokeforrest]

Having problems loading images so disregard this for now until I can resolve my issue.
(http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/Uploader/upload_image_save2.php#)

[lokeforrest]

Excellent work posted here. I'm having trouble posting so gotta resolve that first.

[lokeforrest]

OK...I think I have my problem resolved. Could not upload the image, went to Report All Bugs forum and found out what I needed to do.

Completed this commission just before Christmas...a surprise gift from his wife. He wanted black and white, something I've not done before, but here it is. Quite a challenge, but just like doing an underpainting, but a lot more detailed - for me anyway.


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Jan-2010/114372-Sean_fini.JPG

Any C&C you may have is welcomed.

[qeenbee]

gaensanger, you do such beautiful realistic work.
lokeforrest,Hi fellow Tennessean, I have been told that the edges should be softened to keep it from looking like a paper cutout, I'm no expert but it looks to harsh to me around the edges. But thats just my opinion.

[lokeforrest]

gaensanger, you do such beautiful realistic work.
lokeforrest,Hi fellow Tennessean, I have been told that the edges should be softened to keep it from looking like a paper cutout, I'm no expert but it looks to harsh to me around the edges. But thats just my opinion.

Thank you for your feedback Queenbee...maybe it is a little harsh, but maybe it appears so because it is black and white.

[bethanyt]

Thanks so much, Dana! I appreciate your comments! :clap:
The image looks so blurry- I don't know what happened. :(

[lunchbox]

This is a present for a graduation. Because it is a surprise, I can’t see this young lady in person. She has blue eyes that do not show on any photos. It is about 80% complete. Any comments would be welcome. Thanks in advance.

[gaensanger]

Lunchbox, you worked it out great! I am shure she will be happy with this one.

[tropicart]

I did this charcoal 11x14 portrait of a new co-worker and friend. It was done on gray strathmore charcoal paper which served as a bridge tone. General's charcoal and white charcoal was used. I really enjoyed doing it and my friend got a kick out of it, to say the least.

[Fleffyjen]

Hi, here are my January efforts in time order first one - Acrylic, and then oils thereafter!!

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u326/jeniw_photos/eleanorfinished.jpg
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u326/jeniw_photos/bubbles.jpg
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u326/jeniw_photos/boyinoils.jpg
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u326/jeniw_photos/bellafinshed.jpg
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u326/jeniw_photos/mandapainting.jpg
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u326/jeniw_photos/hugofinished.jpg

[CPP]

At the moment I'm working on another, yet untitled, portrait of my wife.

Oil on 24 x 30 cm MDF.

I must say, 11 cm face height seems to be the limit for my eyes and steady hand...:o

So far the grisaille is finished, I'm going to start the colours this month.

[gaensanger]

CPP, this is perfect work! Great!

[lokeforrest]

CPP...what a wonderfully done, detailed grisaille. You could call it finished now if you wanted to. What colors did you use to do this?

[CPP]

@ gaensanger

Thank you! I'm excited to see your "Silver"when it's finished. :wave:

@ lokeforrest

Thanks a lot! I was playing with that thought, but ...

I used Winsor & Newton Flake White Hue and Royal Talens Rembrandt Ivory Black.

[rorsdors]

Haven’t really shown my stuff before, just wondering what people think. Be gentle I’m a newbie:)

[rorsdors]

CPP I won’t change the B+W of your picture it’s very strong and dramatic.

[Dana Design]

rorsdors, Lovely! Have you finished placing color on the face?

[rorsdors]

I have, this is a terrible photo, I couldn’t seem to get the photo to come out right. The face isn’t as lacking in colour but I was trying for a fashion plate look, as she has great style, I’m actually wondering if I need to take out some of the colour on the hand now.
I hate going back on things I think I’ve finished ,I always want to move on, drat.

[Dana Design]

Well, it could be my screen but her face looks colorless and flat. Would love to see a close-up.

[rorsdors]

This is a close up on the face.

[CPP]

Here the current stage. Very rough and a loooong way to go...:o

[lokeforrest]

CPP...your wife's portrait is coming along beautifully. Anxious to see the finished piece.

[Dana Design]

This is a close up on the face.

Beautiful face! But, I think you could add more dimension to it by bringing in some shadows to 'round' it a bit more.

[LGHumphrey]

CPP, another masterpiece.

[loriharding]

This is my 16 year old niece, cara at the beach. On bristol smooth 5 by 7. This is only my 2nd post here, but I spend a lot of time looking and learning from all of you. thank you for all of the sharing.

[leesmith]

i haven't visited in a while seems like new painters, always enjoy the portraits...i did this one for practice might or might not tweak her nose need a little slimming

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Jan-2010/2629-A_january_15,_2010_Brittany.jpg

[CPP]

The current status of things.

A lot done, still more to do. Edges, minor drawing errors etc.

Tried the frame, couldn't resist...:o

[lokeforrest]

CPP...that is absolutely beautiful. The frame enhances the piece even more so. Your wife must be VERY pleased.

[CPP]

Thank you lokeforrest!

It surprises me every time how much the frame can make or break a painting indeed.

She is very pleased...:heart:

[tutunoma]

The painting himself is really a success although I think it is a result of skill and talent. Her looks is very vivid. I really envoy you for your skills.

[MSegev]

Oh WOW CPP, this is one of the finest portraits I've ever seen. Absolutely gorgeous! Your portraiture skills are amazing; perfect values, tones and edges.
I would really like to view your other works, if you don't mind sharing a website link.

[rorsdors]

Beautiful face! But, I think you could add more dimension to it by bringing in some shadows to 'round' it a bit more.


Hi Dana Design,
I take on board what you say but when I look at the actual canvas it seems right to me, it’s the photo which is lacking it is more washed out than the canvas actually is.
Anyone got hints on how to photo paintings?:)

[CPP]

Wow, Mary, now you make me blush...:o ,

particularely since your portraits are truly stunning! No kidding! :thumbsup:

Thank you!

I just (re-)started painting in October 2008, so I don't have my own website yet.


http://www.artwanted.com/artist.cfm?artid=49220

[Dana Design]

Hi Dana Design,
I take on board what you say but when I look at the actual canvas it seems right to me, it’s the photo which is lacking it is more washed out than the canvas actually is.
Anyone got hints on how to photo paintings?:)


If it looks right to you, then it is! You're the artist and the only real judge. Very well done!!!

[rorsdors]

If it looks right to you, then it is! You're the artist and the only real judge. Very well done!!!


I could just be delusional.;)

[rorsdors]

Cpp I was curious to know why you do the grisaille and then the colours, I looked it up on the web and it’s an effect onto itself. Your work is fab and I was wondering why this particular methodology.
The frame is amazing, must have cost a bit, but lovely.

[LGHumphrey]

Mamma mía, CPP, romántico.

[CPP]

@ rorsdors

The grisaille has two purposes, for one it serves as my "roadmap". It's easier to define the values and establish 3-dimensionality without being distracted by the hues and chromas. Once the values are correct I have only to concentrate on hue and chroma. Getting all three right in the first attempt is for a beginner like me very difficult. :o Secondly, in layer paintings, each layer adds to the final effect. Oil paint becomes translucent over time, so the underlaying brighter or darker areas support the luminosity of the final painting.

@ LGHumphrey

Muchas gracias amigo! So far I hadn't had an appropriate title for the portrait, now I do - "Romantika" a Tagalog word. Great. Thanks. :clap:

[CPP]

Here the final version of "Romantika".

The lady is pleased. ;)

[rorsdors]

@ rorsdors

The grisaille has two purposes, for one it serves as my "roadmap". It's easier to define the values and establish 3-dimensionality without being distracted by the hues and chromas. Once the values are correct I have only to concentrate on hue and chroma. Getting all three right in the first attempt is for a beginner like me very difficult. :o Secondly, in layer paintings, each layer adds to the final effect. Oil paint becomes translucent over time, so the underlaying brighter or darker areas support the luminosity of the final painting.

@ LGHumphrey

Muchas gracias amigo! So far I hadn't had an appropriate title for the portrait, now I do - "Romantika" a Tagalog word. Great. Thanks. :clap:
Marvellous painting, really striking, if you’re a beginner I’m doomed!! Thanks for the info on your technique.

[CPP]

Marvellous painting, really striking, if you’re a beginner I’m doomed!! Thanks for the info on your technique.

Not at all! Beginner means that I have taken up painting again in October 2008 after 26 years or so. It means also that it can be learned...so you're not doomed but the opposite.
You are most welcome!

[qeenbee]

I have another, this one is a guy I worked with. He's quite the character. I hope I caught that in the painting. C&C would be appreciated.http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/21-Jan-2010/120613-ron002.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/21-Jan-2010/120613-100_3149.jpg

[larubia]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/22-Jan-2010/75590-Picture313.jpgthis is a sp from life i've been struggling with for some time now....still have a lot to sort out...my paintings seem to take longer than ever..sigh!
CPP...another beautiful painting of your gorgeous wife:thumbsup:

[CPP]

Thanks larubia! :wave:

Could it be that you look a bit sad and tired on your painting? Otherwise it looks very authentic to me. :thumbsup:

[MCARTERMLB]

All of these are wonderful works of art, and anyone just starting to do portraits can definately learn a lot on this page.