portraits in the storm...

[bethanyt]

I have not been to our portrait group for 2 months- busy with the exhibition, etc. So I wondered if I was a bit rusty.
The storm hit while we drew our first guy- he was unfazed... but the second sitter, the woman was very scared of the thunder and lightning. We calmed her down with a cup of tea and pleaded her to stay in position!
The glasses of both were a challenge- the reflections of the first, and the "barely there but magnifying" effect of the second. (excuses!)
pastel on grey murano 1/2 sheet. each 50 minutes

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Oct-2011/110135-be.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Oct-2011/110135-ch.jpg

thanks for looking! :wave:

[Sizun]

I love how you describded this portrait session. You achieved a great feeling of volume with the first one. The head seems well constructed and solid. Very well done.

[mtnrunner]

I like both of these Bethany. You have a great quality of line in your pastels that I find very appealing. Looking forward to the next one!
deb

[kentiessen]

Your work in this very short time frame is very good! I especially like the drawing and handling of the first. Glasses are very challenging- I know!

Is this the usual length of pose? It would be a benefit to sometime work in a longer setting- some short ones for speed, and some longer for considered development of lighting and forms.

[bethanyt]

(http://www.blogger.com/profile/11474648596488366264)Ghislaine, thanks for taking a considered look at the drawings. :thumbsup:
Deb, so glad you liked the drawings, thanks so much! :clap:

Ken, thanks for the positives- much appreciated! :D
I would certainly like to have more time to make these into more developed drawings. These quick studies are all we are able to do in this format. It is part of a year-long portrait project we are doing.
This is our fourth year- where we get local people to sit for us. This is all the time they can spare- and sitting for this long is a strain for most of them (even with breaks!) As they are doing it as a favour for us- we are grateful for even this short time. :crossfingers:

[kentiessen]

In the group at my Studio, we pay the model and split the cost between those who attend. This is affordable, creates more responsibility at both ends, and generates possibilities. The time frame is 3 hours in the evening with breaks, and it works well- this group has been ongoing for about 8 years.

[Indiana Kate]

Both are beautiful, Bethany. They are both quite striking.
Kate

[roy-p]

I've always thought that after a recognizable likeness, subtlety of expression was the next goal to achieve for portraitists... for there is hardly anything as powerful as the hint of a smile, a slight crinkling at the corner of the eye that lights it up, a barely-there vexation on the forehead, or a certain tilt/turn of the head. These features, when paid close attention to can breath so much 'personality' in the characters portrayed, its as if you come to know them better, or seemed to have known them for years.

Your paintings have those unmistakeable signs of 'familiarity' - the unfazed man, and the slightly nervous lady, its as if they are my next-door neighbors.

:thumbsup:

[bethanyt]

Yes, Ken- I totally get where you are coming from. I have also been part of the kind of group you describe. :thumbsup:
However, these drawings are something different. We are aiming to draw the members of a small town- and this is our 4th year trying to achieve this. We draw 2 people every second Sunday. They sit for this time so they can be part of the project, and the drawings are then exhibited each January in a show at the same hall we draw in. We raise money from this exhibition to support the hall.
So, longer poses are not possible with this group... just a wish! :wink2:

Kate, thank you for your kind words- much appreciated! :D

Prosenjit- I am overcome with gratitude at your generous words. Those of us who love portraits are always trying to achieve that "personality" that is so illusive. Mostly all I can do is get a vague likeness - and sometimes it is a challenge to even get that. The fact that you see these qualities in my work- means so much to me- and thanks for saying so! :angel::smug:

[AndyfromVienna]

hi Bethany, excellent portraits, very alive, nice texture!

:)

Andy

[kentiessen]

It sounds like a great project! Rose Frantzen was doing something like this- it is a great way to support the Arts and your efforts!

[bethanyt]

Andy- you are so kind to say so! I appreciate your looking at the drawings!

Ken, I was so inspired to read about her project. I will do lots of things to get people to engage with art. I also aim to do something similar to her portraits with oils using people from my town- maybe next year.

[carolkay]

Time comsidered Bethany, these are just great as, i wouldnt expect anything else from you.

[bethanyt]

Thanks so much for your support, Carol! :angel: High praise from a portrait artist such as yourself! :thumbsup:

[Mark1935]

Deft handling of pastels for 50 minute portraits, Bethany and confidently drawn.

[bethanyt]

Thanks for the encouraging words, Mark.