The 8th Annual WetCanvas Portrait Swap Pairings and W.I.P. thread!

[kevinwueste]

Here forthwith are the 2011 holiday Pairings ! I am up way late and apologize if I made a duplicate or miss - please PM me and I will get it sorted as we have members who can take on an add'l portrait! If you have the same member again from a previous year let me know - I did not check the history and there is, of course, no guarantee that past performance equals future expectations! Thank you again everyone for signing up! This will be our biggest year yet! Let's make it AWESome!!!!:clap:

Please post your W.I.P's and finals here and if you like, when you get your painting - post a photo of you with your new holiday gift! Remember the goal is to have these complete and ontheir way by early December. So get your photos sent as soon as you are able! ( via personal email ).

and now..

the list:

drum roll.. dldldldldldldldldldldldld
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Nov-2011/164138-pairings_for_wc_port_2011_a.jpg

*Please note, at my count we were odd with the final pairings so I will have two partners! (I hope you are both ok being stuck with me!)

I hope you are are excited to get going! now - on to good photos!!!

-Kevin

[GaryNorthants]

Well done Kevin and thanks for hosting. My PM is sent and I'm ready to go :)
Best wishes
Gary

[juliajane]

Very exciting!! I've been looking forward to this. Thanks, Kevin

[Ruthie57]

Nerve wracking and exciting! I have got my photos and have pm'd my partner.

[Journeyman]

Thanks for the hard work Kevin, I’ve also got the photos ready so will contact Randa by PM now.
Exciting times. :wave: Dave

[mrking]

Cool! Now i have to look up Lisa Lucky... :)-

[ErinEmily]

Yay! Can't wait to see the photos I get to work from! Happily paired! :thumbsup: :D

[NancyMP]

Jen (turpintine 45) and I have met today on PM and we are ready to roll as soon as we can email the photos!

Don't be so modest, Kevin! Your two swap mates should be absolutely delighted that you will be painting them!

[pastelpalms]

Thanks Kevin ref sent to J.

[inmystudio]

Thanks so much for organizing this I'm really excited to push myself and see what I can do!!!

I searched bluewindfisher and feel very lucky to have Graham as a partner :D

I'm just a little sacred of painting that beard :eek:

Sending a PM now.

[ChapR]

Thanks Kevin. I sent a PM early this morning but suspect that the International Date Line is having an impact on my partner's response. Can't wait to get started.

[ishiprog]

Thanks for hosting this, kevin.

Whoooa, this is a really global challenge :D

Sent a PM to ujwala in Sri Lanka (8065,497 km from Germany)

Excited Greetings

Wolfgang

[lovin art]

Omy goodness cant a girl get some sleep around here Zzzzz !:D Ok ok so I'm on the other side of the world that should have no bearing what so ever! :D Lol -- Hiya David I just read your email , I'm flattered thank-you:o ~look forward to painting for a change to drawing of late , I'm thinking depending on the light will try and get a shot for you I've one but not sure theres enough light in it , bear with me pleaseee I will email you as soon as I've a pic to send you~juggling a thousand things and school on top of it all

I look forward to all everyones efforts will be great to see what you all look like!!! You included TIny TIna I remember a certain person saying we would never get to see her ~ha oily girl you are caught now~ lov ya ...:D :grouphug:

[Turpintine45]

Thanks for doing a great job Kevin. I am overwhelmed to be paired with Nancy but will try my best to do her justice. She has been very kind.I am on the road so can't begin until next week.

[dollardays]

You are a dedicated coordinator, Kevin. Can't believe you got this thread up so quickly. I am happy and LUCKY to be paired with you! Will PM a picture soon!

[Ruthie57]

Walter and I have exchanged photos so now we're ready to roll!

[bluewindfisher]

Thanks so much for organizing this I'm really excited to push myself and see what I can do!!!

I searched bluewindfisher and feel very lucky to have Graham as a partner :D

I'm just a little sacred of painting that beard :eek:

Sending a PM now.
Thanks for the PM and the photos Deb, Don't worry about the beard, think of it as a landscape. There's an idea, you could do me as one of those tree creatures from Tolkein!
I reckon it's a lot easier painting ugly than it is painting beautiful. LOL.
I am a bit behind and haven't done my photo yet but will be back in touch as soon as I have.
Regards
Graham

[ryster007]

Good work on the pairings Kevin! Have sent photos Kazmik by pm

Good luck everyone!

Ryan

[bluewindfisher]

Thanks for hosting this, kevin.

Whoooa, this is a really global challenge :D

Sent a PM to ujwala in Sri Lanka (8065,497 km from Germany)

Excited Greetings

Wolfgang

8 million kms away Wolfgang?
From what I remember of ujwala she is a bit "out of this world". LOL.
Let the fun begin. :)
Regards
Graham

[bluewindfisher]

Thanks for the PM and the photos Deb, Don't worry about the beard, think of it as a landscape. There's an idea, you could do me as one of those tree creatures from Tolkein!
I reckon it's a lot easier painting ugly than it is painting beautiful. LOL.
I am a bit behind and haven't done my photo yet but will be back in touch as soon as I have.
Regards
Graham
I have just looked at Deb's posts and am very excited about this swap. I notice that by chance she has actually done some fantastic paintings of trees. I am thinking of sending an entwhistle type picture. What do you think Deb? This would be the first portrait swap of a tree!
Regards
Graham

[mimitabby]

I did the same thing as you did, bluewindfisher; but unfortunately my partner, Zealander has never posted a painting. Sounds like i get to help a beginner.

[bluewindfisher]

I did the same thing as you did, bluewindfisher; but unfortunately my partner, Zealander has never posted a painting. Sounds like i get to help a beginner. Mimi, if he gets stuck on uploading, I am more than happy to help. Brian (Zealander) and I get together one day a week and paint in my studio in Northam. I am excited to see what he comes up with.
Regards
Graham

[Clive Green]

thank you Kevin. I'll pm across the ditch to Bethany with a photo tomorrow. At least we're in the same hemisphere.

[SillyBaZilly]

Kevin, thanks for the time and effort in putting this together. When I got home from work, the very 1st thing I did was check to see if the pairings were up. I've definitely been looking forward to this.

[inmystudio]

Hi Graham I just got home and read your PMs

Thank you for the liking my trees. Yes I'd love to turn you into a tree :D I've only seen your self portraits but that beard would look awesome in moss! It might even start me on some kind of weird new direction where instead of people wanting their names in the trees, they want their face!!

I'll email you my photos now with a couple of others, which by coincidence were taken near my old willow tree, the main inspiration for my tree paintings.

Yes you can post my photo on here. My son kept saying smile and I kept saying "JUST TAKE THE PHOTO!!!" I don't like photos, hence the awkward face.

My kids said I was stalking you last night. I kept on showing them your gorgeous work. I've never had a painting or drawing of myself and I'm really excited to have you do it :clap:

DebX

P.S I think I already have a title for your tree portrait :D

[bluewindfisher]

Hi Graham I just got home and read your PMs
Thank you for the liking my trees. Yes I'd love to turn you into a tree :D I've only seen your self portraits but that beard would look awesome in moss! It might even start me on some kind of weird new direction where instead of people wanting their names in the trees, they want their face!!

In one swap Dollardays tried to turn me into a fish! So I reckon a tree is a definate improvement.

My kids said I was stalking you last night. I kept on showing them your gorgeous work. I've never had a painting or drawing of myself and I'm really excited to have you do it :clap:

Thanks Deb. I have had a chance to look at even more of your work (including your blog) and I am really looking forward to seeing your magic at work.

P.S I think I already have a title for your tree portrait :D Oh oh the intrigue starts. When our kids were younger I used to play a game of pestering them to find out what my present was going to be. They loved it.
So Debsie just a lil clue huh. I won't tell anyone. I promise. :)
Regards
Graham

[Indiana Kate]

I've sent Roy (Royc8) ten photos of me (eek!). I hope the shadow shapes are workable on some of them.

Kate

[bethanyt]

Hi everyone- thanks Clive- sent my photo to you via email.... hope its ok for you!?!
Email is better for big photos.... did everyone get that message.

[Clive Green]

thanks Bethany - I'll email tomorrow. had a suspicion about the size limits.

[inmystudio]

[Oh oh the intrigue starts. When our kids were younger I used to play a game of pestering them to find out what my present was going to be. They loved it.
So Debsie just a lil clue huh. I won't tell anyone. I promise. :)] I don't know how to use the quote button??

Okay here is a clue:

"Old and wise a trickster is he, hush.
Keep cover, for they scour nearby.
Sunlight betrays what is shrouded with time.
Maybe the hunt won’t like what they find."

Here is a question for all those that send paintings by mail. I would like to paint Grahams portrait a fair size maybe 18"X20" or bigger. I guess the best way to send it is by painting it on stretch canvas then rolling it up?
I haven't mailed paintings before, I'd prefer to use oils but worry if I do it in oils the four weeks won't allow time for the painting to be dry enough to roll? If you paint in oils how long before you would be comfortable rolling it?
If I use acrylics I worry about it cracking?
Any advice on painting and sending in the four week time frame? Have you had problems in years past?
Thanks for any advise .

[GaryNorthants]

Good question Deborah, I was thinking about the very same thing here too.
Best wishes
Gary

[bluewindfisher]

Okay here is a clue:

"Old and wise a trickster is he, hush.
Keep cover, for they scour nearby.
Sunlight betrays what is shrouded with time.
Maybe the hunt won’t like what they find."
.
Crikey. My first thought was Gollum. LOL.
What genie have I unleashed here!


Here is a question for all those that send paintings by mail. I would like to paint Grahams portrait a fair size maybe 18"X20" or bigger. I guess the best way to send it is by painting it on stretch canvas then rolling it up?
I haven't mailed paintings before, I'd prefer to use oils but worry if I do it in oils the four weeks won't allow time for the painting to be dry enough to roll? If you paint in oils how long before you would be comfortable rolling it?
If I use acrylics I worry about it cracking?
Any advice on painting and sending in the four week time frame? Have you had problems in years past?
Thanks for any advise . In my case Deb I am happy to wait until the painting is safely dry. Or I could pay for the extra postage.
The portraits that I have done previously for the Swap have been 30 x 40cms which fits exactly into an Australia Post box. Very easy.

I love the way you weave words around your work Deb. They bring a new dimension to it.

Um is it a tree shadow that dissapears in the sunlight?

No sleep for the next month.. I can tell!
Regards
Graham

[sunychka]

Thanks for your work Kevin!
Feeling very exited! :clap: :music:
But pure Corey (my partner) will need to deal with a bad model... :o :rolleyes: :evil:
:D

[ishiprog]

Just sent my pictures to ujwala (to late for Helloween :evil: )

I'm excited like a 5 year old :o

[ishiprog]

8 million kms away Wolfgang?
From what I remember of ujwala she is a bit "out of this world". LOL.
Let the fun begin. :)
Regards
Graham

nah, here(Germany) we use the , instead of the .

so it means 8 thousand .......

In my work I deal almost every day with that darn thing :cool:

:) :) :)

[bluewindfisher]

nah, here(Germany) we use the , instead of the .

so it means 8 thousand .......

In my work I deal almost every day with that darn thing :cool:

:) :) :)
Take no notice Ujwala. I still think you are out of this world.:)
Regards
Graham

[ishiprog]

Didnt say in which direction - more than 8000 kms upwards is out of this world literally :wave:

[luicre]

Hi, Kevin, and Hi everybody.
I have already got in touck with Deb , my partner and we will be sharing the photos soon.

Saludos

Luicre

[royc8]

Everyone is so organised, I entered late and I'm still sorting out photos to send to Kate.
Kate yours didn't arrive this end yet, could you try again?

[mimitabby]

EVERYONE is not so organized. count how many people we're talking about here!

[theBoardLady]

Thank you, Kevin for doing such a wonderful job of organizing this swap. My picture has been sent to my swap partner and I'm just waiting to hear back from her.

[TinaC]

Thanks Kevin for organising this, I am looking forward to participating this year having been a lurker in the past. I have been in contact with my swap partner, ironically we are about 50 miles away from each other here in the UK so that'll save some postage :). If my internet will stop messing around I am about to send off my photos. I wonder who will post the first WIP....good luck everyone.

[kazmik]

Thanks Kevin.

And thanks for the photo's Ryan. I will get some photos to you asap. I have pm'd you with my home email address for future correspondence.

Kaz

[George924]

I am really looking forward to this swap, excited...is more the word...Great job Kevin, My picture will be sent of tomorrow.

[Randa2000]

Thank you Kevin ,nice to see us all busy

So Glad to be paired with you for the SWAP Dave :)

Happy Painting everybody

[!becca]

I have had Jeni's photo for about 24 hours now and think I may be ready to get some sort of drawing on canvas in the next couple of days....I am lucky to have a partner with gorgeous features who has given me a glamorous photo...

[kevinwueste]

I'm glad to see people are making connections so quickly and things are working ok! I just saw a note from dollardays and will need to cobble together my own photos shortly! I'm excited to see the first post of progress/portraits etc., whenever that is! oh, if anyone would be interested in doing an additional portrait swap with someone, let me know ( just in case!).

Kevin

[Fleffyjen]

Thanks for all your efforts to date, Kevin, getting us to this point - I am spoilt for choice with 3 photos of Becca... and still not quite decided, a good position to be in - :D

[ishiprog]

jeeehaaaa! 1st !!

Not a WIP but a little study sketch to get a feeling of the forms

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Nov-2011/198962-2011-11-03_19-03-12_953.jpg

[NancyMP]

Jen's not back from vacation yet, but I've sent her two photos to choose from on PM, and will send the bigger versions by email. Both of them have the required contrast, but on one the dark side is a bit too dark and disappears into the background. (Lightsaber needed!) She will take some photos when she gets back, and I'm eager to see them!

[Ruthie57]

Well done on being first Wolfgang! That's a really nice sketch too.
Today I did a study of my partner. Wanted to see how good a likeness I could get without a drawing as such but starting with the shadow areas and shaping the form through use of values. It was so much fun it was nearly dark when I gave up. When I put the light on I realised the values had gone wrong!
It didn't look at all like Walter but it does look like a man and it does look 3D. So I'm encouraged by that!

[GaryNorthants]

Congrats on being first Wolfgang :)

My photos are sent and awaiting reply

Best wishes all

Gary

[kevinwueste]

Wofgang! nice and aces on being first!! Ausgezeichnet!

kevin

[ujwala]

kevin thank you for all the hard work. this swap, is one activity on wc that i look forward to each year whether i take part or not.

graham, thanks for the compliment :o:evil::D:music:

wolfgang, wow! that was quick and lovely. i too am thinking of doing a few sketches to get comfortable.. specially with the the bit that i'm worried most about - the spectacles! :smug: i'm really glad that there are no teeth involved coz that's another feature that i want to run a mile from usually :lol:

looking forward to a great month on this thread! :clap::clap:
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[Turpintine45]

Wolfgang good start. At least you got the ball rolling.
I get home tomorrow night late and as I have been gone a month it will take me a bit to settle down. Now my husband hurt his leg on the job and he will be home tomorrow too. I don't know what he will need.
I am sorry to be holding Nancy up but I will get a photo as soon as I can.

[bethanyt]

For all those that want to paint in oils....
Just thought you might want to know what I do. I did Corey's painting last year with this method.
I prime onto mat board with some acrylic paint. The oil will dry quite quickly- plenty fast enough to post. The board can be of the size you want- and its relatively cheap to post.
Good luck everyone. I should be able to start Clive's this weekend... :crossfingers:

[juliajane]

Hey Bethany - do you put any protective wrapping over the painting? I'm presuming bubble wrap would stick to the painting? Paper? I don't know! :)

[Ruthie57]

I wasn't sure if I'd even post a WIP, let alone be the first to do it.
Anyway, I thought some people may be interested to see my process and it may well help me to get advice from you folks.

This will be about 11x9", soft pastels on pastelmat. I started with a simple grid....quartered the page then split each quarter diagonally. I drew out the face with a pastel pencil.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Nov-2011/189061-w1.jpg

Then I used different tones of Mars Violet and a brown to try and get the appropriate values.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Nov-2011/189061-w2.jpg

At this stage I must say it doesn't really look like Walter! The next stage should be to make corrections to make it look like him. I did correct the mouth and the line of the shaded cheek and chin, but, then I just started adding colour :o I always know what I think I should do but seldom actually do it! Insufficient light to get another update. I'll try tomorrow.
C&C welcome!

[!becca]

Ruthie, nice work with the pastels.

Here is my preliminary sketch done with turp thinned oils on my canvas. I will look at it for corrections this afternoon and hopefully paint tomorrow.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Nov-2011/100116-my_paintings_009copy4.jpg

[NancyMP]

Julie, wax paper is my choice to wrap (thoroughly dry!) oils, and as a secondary layer, you can use bubble wrap to protect the painted surface.

I can see a couple of you are going to be finished before I get started! But, since Jen lives in the state directly to the east of me, I don't have the slower international mail to contend with!:smug::D

[!becca]

Nancy, you are a little busy for a few days anyway.:)

I just finished making a few tweaks to my drawing and I think it is ready for paint.

[juliajane]

Thanks nancy! Sorry to be a doofus but is baking paper waxy enough or is there a waxier paper?

Great start guys!

[wal_t]

Ruth, looks good already, I recognized who that person was straight away .... Walter

[Clive Green]

I've done a couple of pen sketches for Bethany's portrait to establish the form in my body memory. I prefer canvas board as a surface, and (once primed) do a charcoal/chalk tone study as a guide. Will prime tomorrow, after I've mown the olive block.

[inmystudio]

Wolfgang I'd be happy to have a finished painting that looked like your study sketch.
Ruthie I don't know what Walter looks like but your work looks awesome.
Becca already there is movement and feeling in your sketch.

Here is my WIP: oil on stretched canvas 30x20"

Please remember this is only my third serious attempt at a portrait, well kind of serious since Graham likes the idea of being a tree :rolleyes:

I still have a long way to go, but I'm having so much fun:clap:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Nov-2011/210584-2011_11_05_1070.JPG

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Nov-2011/210584-2011_11_05_1071.JPG

I got a little worried about now that it wouldn't look natural, for my Graham tree to have glasses on. I decided to go outside and check, well what do you know, it does happen! It would seem they are only found on old wise trees though.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Nov-2011/210584-2011_11_05_1081.JPG

Here is what I'm up to. Graham said I can post the reference photo, but I'll wait until it looks a little more like him.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Nov-2011/210584-2011_11_05_1079.JPG

I have only ever tried to paint my children before. I'm finding it a little weird to really stare into someones eyes I have never met before. I keep on wondering about the real person, as I try to capture some essence of his personality.

If it was someone I knew I would assume to know a small amount of what they think or feel, but with Graham I only know what we have shared in our emails.

Does anyone else ever feel like that? Do you paint a portrait differently when you don't know/haven't met the person ?

I can see why you guys love doing portraits, the challenge is huge :D

[!becca]

Deborah, thank you, You are off to a wonderful start.

I want to keep mine loose and try not to get to stiff when I paint it.

And, to answer your question, yes, it is different painting someone you know...and even more different doing a self portrait because I think challenging as they are, they are the most expressive portraits you can do.

I find I have a lot of questions in my mind as I am working on mine as to what Jeni will like, but I also am having great fun preparing to paint her...she is beautiful.

[juliajane]

Love it, Deborah! It is going to be great!

[NancyMP]

:clap:Deborah, what fun you will have,:D and you are so creative and funny :lol: with the tree. It already looks great -- you make me so eager to get started! You could call him Treebeard, one of the famous Ents in The Lord of the Rings!:D

Julia, if baking paper is the same as parchment paper, it would make an excellent cover for a painting.:)

[bethanyt]

Started on Clive's portrait this morning- progress so far...

I primed a sheet of matboard with some acrylic paint.
Then started with oils - burnt umber, ultra blue with a splash of odourless lean medium. Large brush and a cotton cloth.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Nov-2011/110135-portprog.jpghttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Nov-2011/110135-portprog1.jpg

Then some colour. Still a long way to go...

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Nov-2011/110135-portprog_2.jpg

[Fleffyjen]

Gosh you lot have been busy :clap::clap: I haven't even put pencil to paper yet and there are already some great things happening!! Well done everyone already!!!

[juliajane]

Great work, as always, Bethany!

[AmritS]

Thanks for this Kevin :) TinaC and I have swapped photos and begun on our preliminary sketches. I'm trying out a more painterly style which I think Tina prefers.

Whats more she lives in the UK not so far from me!

[!becca]

Bethnay, lovely work!:clap:

Though I had wanted to paint today, I spent much of last night tightening my drawing.

I don't think even my thinned paint will be dry enough this morning to start with the painting...don't mind the wonky eyes, they will staighten out when she is painted.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Nov-2011/100116-my_paintings_011copy4.jpg

[Lisalucky]

Hi Kevin,
I didn't get an email and forgot to sign on to WC for a few days so I missed my pairing. If you get a late entrant.. let me know

Maybe next year.

[Lisalucky]

Sorry I missed this.... Have fun

Cool! Now i have to look up Lisa Lucky... :)-

[ishiprog]

Another sketch to get the right feeling for the model :)

3-color sketch with pastel-pencils


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Nov-2011/198962-2011-11-05_16-55-23_54.jpg :wave:

[wal_t]

Started the painting, acrylics on canvas 30 * 40 cm. Used Burnt Sienna, Cobalt Blue and Mixing white. Most time spent on the glasses. Colors will change probably to Yellow/Green. Walter


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Nov-2011/166484-Ruth-1.jpg

[Turpintine45]

Walt great job on Ruthie it looks like her already. As I met her just a couple of weeks ago. Everyone is getting on so fast. I am finally home Nancy so will get on with picture taking and hope I can come up with a couple of good ones. I will probably look nackered as I got in late last night and was up early with the grandson!!

[Journeyman]

Everyone has been very busy I see, some excellent work :thumbsup:

This afternoon I made a start with one of the excellent photos Randa supplied.

Not sure how others go about working from photos but this is my setup, trying to some extent to replicate drawing from life. The photo is set up about six foot beyond the easel.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Nov-2011/95424-Randa_SWAP_Conte_01.jpg

This sketch was done with Conte sanguine pencils, will do more to it again tomorrow as the light has gone now.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Nov-2011/95424-Randa_SWAP_Conte_02.jpg

Thanks Randa for the splendid photos :wave: Dave

PS I’ll be getting some coloured photos printed on Monday and then try my hand at an oil.

[Turpintine45]

Nancy I sent you some picture by e- mail. Hope they will work please let me know and if they are not good we will try again.
Thanks for your patience.

[Ruthie57]

Lots of great starts here. this is so exciting.
Deborah (inmystudio) great to see you again! And yours looks awesome to me too. Great start!
Walter I'm glad you can recognise "someone" from my start. I promise I will bring you back down to your real age and not give you a glimpse into the future!
And, Wow! I just saw myself above! You already have an excellent likeness....thought I told you to make me beautiful! OK, too much of a tall order............

[inmystudio]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone.

I often wonder if I ever would of starting painting with the drive and determination I have if it wasn't for this forum. I honestly don't think I would of.

Just looking at all this wonderful work is so inspirational :clap:

I've done a little more.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Nov-2011/210584-2011_11_05_1095.JPG

[dollardays]

Awesome looking work already, everyone! Keep posting those WIP as it is very educational to watch the processes. I hope to get started next week. Kevin sent me some very interesting and unusual photos so I am trying to think what I want to do with the "props" he included.

[Randa2000]

Vey nice start everyone

Dave you did a very close likeness so far :)

i did 2 sketches for knowing before i go with oil paints

Thank you Dave for the good photos http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Nov-2011/121987-Dave_sketch2.JPG

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Nov-2011/121987-Dave_stketch_1.JPG

[Journeyman]

Hey I know that face Randa :) Great start there is a good sense of me in that second one :thumbsup: Are you using charcoal pencils? There is life and energy in your drawings I like that.
Cheers, Dave

[wal_t]

Second WIP .... worked all over with open acrylics, let it dry first now before doing more color and details . Walter


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Nov-2011/166484-Ruth-2.jpg

[LGHumphrey]

What a lot of great artwork already!! Congratulations to all of you.

This is my first one of Sandybells, a quickstudy just eyeballing it, and the face is too long. Tomorrow I'll do another and make the face too short. :lol: Sandy says she doesn't mind if I do some of my "funny" ones so be prepared for the worst, folks.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Nov-2011/60616-DSC_000472.JPG

[AmritS]

Hi all, here is TinaC and my WIP - underpainting using burnt umber and titanium white with a raw sienna canvas tone. On a 16 x 20 canvas. Finding likeness pretty hard.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Nov-2011/973175-Copy_1_of_Portrait_Swap_016_1.JPG


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Nov-2011/973175-TinaC.jpg

[wal_t]

WIP number 3, that's it for today will try to finish next weekend, Walter

p.s. the last picture is not to good, taken in artificial light.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Nov-2011/166484-Ruth-3.jpg

[Ruthie57]

Walter, you're doing a fabulous job. As I knew you would!
No more pics from me unless I can get mine to look like Walter. Wish me luck.

[TinaC]

Great start here everyone, its really enjoyable to watch the magic.

I've done a couple of getting to know you sketches of Amrit, he has a really good face to work with and has provided a good photo. Making the mistakes on the sketches will hopefully mean the painting will be easier and I can see quite a few errors. The coloured pastel is to try and work out the look of the painting and not overly going for the likeness, I am doing one with a very dark background.

Amrit, as requested I have had a look at your picture of me. One of the difficult things about doing a painting of a tilted head it the brain keeps trying to straighten things up. If you have a look at the angles of the eyes nose, mouth and jawline and compare the photo and the painting that might help you get to grips with it.

Good luck everyone

["J"]

Great start here everyone, its really enjoyable to watch the magic.

I've done a couple of getting to know you sketches of Amrit, he has a really good face to work with and has provided a good photo. Making the mistakes on the sketches will hopefully mean the painting will be easier and I can see quite a few errors. The coloured pastel is to try and work out the look of the painting and not overly going for the likeness, I am doing one with a very dark background.

Amrit, as requested I have had a look at your picture of me. One of the difficult things about doing a painting of a tilted head it the brain keeps trying to straighten things up. If you have a look at the angles of the eyes nose, mouth and jawline and compare the photo and the painting that might help you get to grips with it.

Good luck everyone

Oh I just love that second one. I would be happy with just that one. Anything else is a bonus.

[AmritS]

Wow Tina, those sketches are amazing!
I see what you mean about the tilt now, I just couldn't see it before. A good lesson learnt. This is why I joined this site! Thanks, and it's an honour to be amongst so many talented artists!


Great start here everyone, its really enjoyable to watch the magic.

I've done a couple of getting to know you sketches of Amrit, he has a really good face to work with and has provided a good photo. Making the mistakes on the sketches will hopefully mean the painting will be easier and I can see quite a few errors. The coloured pastel is to try and work out the look of the painting and not overly going for the likeness, I am doing one with a very dark background.

Amrit, as requested I have had a look at your picture of me. One of the difficult things about doing a painting of a tilted head it the brain keeps trying to straighten things up. If you have a look at the angles of the eyes nose, mouth and jawline and compare the photo and the painting that might help you get to grips with it.

Good luck everyone

[bluewindfisher]

Wow! What a fabulous start!
And Deb I can see me emerging from the forest in your WIPs. I will make a start on yours today and hope I can do half as well as the other works here. :)
Regards
Graham

[Turpintine45]

Wow way to go everyone! I am finally home and getting caught up.
Ruthie Great start on Walter. He looks pretty lifelike to me!
Becca love your loose sketchy start. You have her there already.
Deborah Have to smile at your humour and sense of fun. Love the way your painting is magically coming out of the canvas.
Bethany You just go right in and already it looks great!
Dave Love the conte drawing so loose and confident.
Lawrence Always love that colour!
RandaYou are getting him, nice sketches!
AmritYou are getting her keep at it.
WalterThat is so Ruthie Great job.
TinaI like the second sketch and look forward to seeing what you do with the colour.
I hope I haven't missed anyone.:clap:

[Turpintine45]

Nancy I hope you got my photos I sent yesterday. Let me know if they work.

I did this quick sketch to get back into drawing mode. Haven't had much time to do it while I was gone. Lots of mistakes but I am getting the feel of her.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Nov-2011/216461-IMG_7129_Medium.jpg

[lovin art]

Ok Im sorry for not commenting individually but time is short and so am I:o :D ....I do love seeing everyones work its most exciting stuff and as Austin would say ~~Very Shag~a~ Delic .... Yeahh Babies!!! :clap: :D

ok Im back to earth with a thud:o ... heres a very quick sketch of David thanks for the pic I stuffed the nose but am happy to see you emerging in this , none the less , Im either drawing or will paint this :crossfingers: ... just not sure when I will start ... Cheers to you all:)


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Nov-2011/186639-001_587x800.jpg

[Randa2000]

Here is my work for today ,and maybe i still need to work more ,i need to see it at daylight ,i used 2 photos to do my painting which were very helpful http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Nov-2011/121987-Portrait_Swap_2011_07.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Nov-2011/121987-DSC03568.JPG http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Nov-2011/121987-DSC03571.JPG http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Nov-2011/121987-DSC03578.JPG http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Nov-2011/121987-Portrait_Swap_2011_05.jpg

[Indiana Kate]

Oh, gosh. It is fun to see everyone's work. I started with a quick charcoal sketch of Roy (Royc8). I'm thinking of this as just a sketch to work out some bugs before I start a painting. I think the irises may be too big and the shadow on his left cheek may be too dark given the other values. Also, I seem to have him looking down rather than out. So, advice will be welcome.

The charcoal is A4. I had to look up that size!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Nov-2011/154568-Roy_charcoal_1.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Nov-2011/154568-Roy_cropped.jpg

Any C&C will be welcome.

Kate

[Randa2000]

I adjusted a tiny thing i found after posting

and here is my update

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Nov-2011/121987-Dave_4.JPG

["J"]

I asked for a different photo and still waiting for it. Hopefully soon.

[Dea]

Everyone is so quick, or am I just slow :)
Sent my pic off to my partner today and hope to start soon on hers
Deanna

[Indiana Kate]

Randa, I love your portrait of Dave (Journeyman). He is such a great character and you have captured him well.

Kate

[Journeyman]

Oh wow, everything has really taken off now with nearly everyone producing something :thumbsup:
Randa I really like what you are doing making me look wild and wooly :D The one photo was taken when I first got in from work, I’d been out on the water from before dawn in the wind and rain and you have caught that dishevelled look :eek:
Today I got your photo printed out in colour so will make a start on that this evening, this really is exciting :)

Will try and make some time this evening to comment on everyone’s work wonderful stuff so far :)

:wave: Dave

[theBoardLady]

I received a great photo of my partner, Dea and now to get started. I usually work in scratchboard but I might try my hand in oils this time.

The current WIPs that have been posted look wonderful. Great work has been done and everybody looks so full of character.

[Randa2000]

Thank you Kate and you did very good drawing

Dave i am glad you like it and here is my work for today , your look is very expressive i enjoyed painting you but i hope i could make your likeness ,any suggestion ?

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Nov-2011/121987-Dave6.JPG

[Journeyman]

Well I think it’s very like me Randa, and if the drawing is off it’s a very small discrepancy that I can’t pick out. Perhaps some of the more experienced portrait painter on the forum can help you out? But I’m very pleased with it :clap: :thumbsup:

Kate that’s a great start you have an interesting partner to work with :)

You’ve launched with a bang Sandra!

I recognise Nancy from that drawing Jen.

Two wonderfully expressive drawings Tina, that second is a craker.

Lovely clean colours Walter.

A tough pose Amrit but I’m sure you'll crack it.

Very stylistic Lawrence. It’s always interesting to see what you come up with, always different :)

You’ve captured a nice expression Deborah.

I’ve probably missed some of you, so apologies for that, catch you next time :D Dave

[pastelpalms]

These are nice. Hope to have some wip's up soon.

[Sandybells]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Nov-2011/181305-aaaaaaLG_Humphries_001.jpg

Hi to everyone! This is Sandybells and this is my LGHumphries portrait. I started this one at seven last evening and I hope this can be critiqued by everyone. I worked for a total of ten hours so far.
Let the beatings begin, LOL!
Most important of all Mr. Humphries, do you like it?
Thanks for all comments and critiques!

Sandybells

[mimitabby]

hi sandybells, where are the shadows?? It looks like you have gotten his likeness, but is his hair really that light?

[NancyMP]

Sandybells, the hair is too white to go with the color scheme; could you add a tad of yellow ochre to your white? Otherwise it's a wonderful portrait!

[NancyMP]

My computer has been hokey this weekend, but I finally found the pix Jen sent me two days ago, and I'll get a start on drawing some test sketches right away!

[Sandybells]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Nov-2011/181305-aaaaaaLG_Humphries_006.jpg Thank you, Mimitabby!
I really didn't see much in shadows in his hair but I have added some since it will look better to show dimension even with the shock of white which is quite apparent. He told me that the picture was tinted yellow and asked if I could color correct maybe. I tried to imagine a less yellow tinged photo. So changed his complexion to a more natural color (I hope).New retake with new hair shadow...too much? or too...I don't know what color they should be?
Thanks again!
Sandy

[mimitabby]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Nov-2011/73379-brianxchange798.jpg


ok, here is a scribble sketch of Zealander.. I do this first to get an idea of what his face is about. I will do another sketch before i start a painting.

[Sandybells]

A tweak or two...
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Nov-2011/181305-aaaaaaLG_Humphries_009.jpg
A tweek or two but it is getting dark out and inside it doesn't look right at all.
Sandybells

[bluewindfisher]

ok, here is a scribble sketch of Zealander.. I do this first to get an idea of what his face is about. I will do another sketch before i start a painting.
Brian is definately in there Mimi. :clap:
Looking forward to the next stage. :)
Regards
Graham

[Turpintine45]

Randa, I think you did a splendid job on Dave! So fast too! :clap:

Mimi nice sketch, looks great as is.

Hi Nancy glad to hear from you I was getting worried you were having trouble from the earthquake! Let me know if those photos are going to work.

Sandy bells I think you captured Lawrence really well. I think maybe it was just his hair that needed some shadows?

[AmritS]

Thanks Journeyman, it's back to the drawing board for me! I have seen the portrait I painted with fresh eyes and can't believe I thought there was any remote likeness. I'm going to concentrate on sketches for this week. I actually didn't do any correct measurements for the initial head tilt, hence I was SO off. Will post the best sketches as the week goes on.



A tough pose Amrit but I’m sure you'll crack it.

[GaryNorthants]

Got started here too on ErinEmily. Fun seeing everyones works
Best wishes
Gary

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Nov-2011/106728-wip1.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Nov-2011/106728-wip2.jpg

[kevinwueste]

I wanted to say how amazing, fun and exciting it is to see all of your works! You are all to be congratulated, lauded - no less for being a part of this! Wow! I hope to join in with my progress on Dollardays soon.. As is the kevin way, I have been bugging her about photographs ( sorry Nora!!)!

Great stuff 2011 Swap CREW!!!

Kevin

[bluewindfisher]

Here is the cropped reference photo from Deborah (itsmystudio). I have also added a bit at the top to include the top of the scarf.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Nov-2011/70598-00-Deborah-Cropped-Ref.jpg

Stunning isn't she? It is going to be a challenge to do her justice! Like I said to Deb, I reckon it's a lot easier doing ugly than beautiful. LOL

I have started by drawing out a value map on the canvas so that I have a good idea of where the values are located.
Here is the value map.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Nov-2011/70598-Sketch-01-Deborah.jpg

My next step will be to start with the darker values and hopefully the face will gradually emerge. :)

There is so much happening on this thread already. I hope to be able to comment on them individually soon. Well done you guys. :clap:

Regards
Graham

[George924]

Well, I worked on Jessica's (stapeliad) portrait all weekend, the first attempt was not at all what I wanted to see but glad it did not work out. The final piece was worked with Color Pencil on Stonehenge paper, 11X14 format, using some new colors in the hair I had such a great time…the glow in her face was an absolute joy to render. Really had a great time with this piece…

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/321633_286588591373624_100000674579120_992202_1158653172_n.jpg

[stapeliad]

George i am so overwhelmed by this, truly...it is amazing... Now I am nervous because i have to do you justice in oils. :eek: Thank you so very much, you really out-did yourself. Everything about it is perfect. I cant believe i am gushing over an image of myself, that never happens...but wow. :heart:

[ishiprog]

George924,

WOW! you did an amazing job! R.E.S.P.E.C.T !

I believe I can almost feel your joy to render the beautiful model !


Great!

[Oilybloke]

George ................:clap: :clap: :clap:

[George924]

I can't remember when I had this much fun with a painting, simply put I loved every aspect of rendering this portrait...I took some freedoms from the photo ref and thought about what if I knew Jessica, at one point I put the photo away and just painted the woman I started to know through a painting...well, I am looking forward to watching this project come together...and was thinking at the end when all of the portraits are done wouldn't be great if they were put into on new post to look at all at once...

[stapeliad]

George it is fantastic, I am so touched by the care you have put into this. :heart: And I love hearing about your process.

["J"]

George....WOW

[LGHumphrey]

Good job sandybells, looks like me only better.

On my monitor the hair looked fine the way it was but don't worry about changing it back.

Your shadows look good.

My only suggestion would be to move the iris of the eye on our right a fractionth so that it appears to be looking more towards the left.

Thanks for a wonderful portrait.

[lovin art]

Oh that's Our J:clap: ~ dam Geoege ~I think we all need to call its quits from here on in dude~~ :o come on dude give as mere mortals a break eh!;)

Brilliant Work, I'm most impressed !

[Turpintine45]

George, Wow!! well done! Lovely portrait and you work so fast in colored pencil.

Graham I am in awe at the detail of your painting. What medium are you using?

[Lauren F-M]

Wow!
I'm checking in to this big ol' annual portrait swap, and there sure is a lot of great art-making going on!

Bethany -- your portrait of Clive is wonderful! He is a lucky guy! :thumbsup:

Becca -- nice start to your portrait, with an interesting pose, too! Looking forward to this. Your work is always really strong> :clap:

Walter -- Wow -- you did a great job. This is lovely! :thumbsup:

Dave -- Very nice work on your portrait of Randa! :clap:

Lawrence -- Sandybells #1 is great -- so colourful and energetic. I love your annual contribution to the swap. You add so much with your enthusiasm, great production of work, and all the colour in your paintings. :thumbsup: Brings a bit of Spanish colour to this Canadian -- your remember how grey our November weather is, eh! :lol:

Amrit -- Good start on Tina. She's given you some great advice. :D

Tina -- Your two drawing of Amrit and amazing; I love that second one on the blue paper! I too would be happy to just have that! :clap:

Jen - Good start on your portrait of Nancy. :D

Sandra -- Well, girl, I can see that atelier rubbing off already. That is a strong conte drawing of David! :clap:

Kate -- Good sketch of Kevin, though check the proportions of the head and where the features lie. :D

Graham -- I am really looking forward to seeing your portrait develop! :clap:

George -- Wow! :eek: That portrait of Jessica is amazing! :clap: Are you a professional illustrator? :confused: Your work is so strong and polished.

[Journeyman]

Good work on ErinEmily Gary is it Pastel pencil?
The value map is very interesting Graham how do you produce it?
George that really has the Wow Factor I can see why Jessica is blown away with it :thumbsup: coloured pencils in your hand are magic :) You also have a good idea to put all the finished portraits in a separate thread of their own possibly with out comment?

So here is the latest update to the Conte drawing.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Nov-2011/95424-Randa_SWAP_Conte_04.jpg

And this evenings work beginning the Oil.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Nov-2011/95424-Randa_SWAP_Oil_01.jpg

This is larger than I usually work so is taking longer and looking very different :)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Nov-2011/95424-Randa_SWAP_Oil_02.jpg

Lots of work still on both value and colour.
:wave: Dave

[NancyMP]

:clap:George, I've met Jessica, and that vibrancy you caught is part of her charming personality - you have brought out her true beauty overwhelmingly!:D

[bluewindfisher]

Jen (Turpentine45) The map is drawn out in coloured pencils. A different colour for each of the 8 values. The painting is done in oils..

Dave (Journeyman) I used to use Photoshop to find the darkest and the lightest values but now I use software called "Artworks". But of course there is always the fall back position of squinting the eyes. LOL

Here is the start of finding the darkest and lightest values.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Nov-2011/70598-Sketch-02-3057.jpg

The paint on the lightest areas doesn't show up on this image but it will as the painting progresses.
Regards
Graham

[Ruthie57]

Wow! there's so much going on here. I must make a point of looking and commenting every day from now on.
Becca, great start. Your partner already looks real and relaxed.
Bethany, This looks fantastic already!
Wolfgang, good idea to do sketches first. Maybe I should've done a couple more studies before I started on the real thing.
Walter, can't wait to see more from you next weekend!
Journeyman, love the conte drawing and a great start to the oil. Do you use the drawing as a value reference, separately, or do you paint over it?
Deborah (In my studio). I already commented on yours. Can't wait to se more.
Randa, Great to see all your steps, sketches and all. I think you have a pretty good likeness here and I like the way you've done the hair.
Lawrence, your study is very bold, colourful and confident!
Amrit, You did the exact same thing which I always do..."corrected" the tilt of the head to make it straight. Even now I am aware of this phenomena I still do it and have to correct later!
Tina, these are sketches?? They're fab. The second one is particularly pleasing.
Jen, great sketch with sure looking lines. what medium will you do the portrait in? Pastel?
Lovin art, Another great sketch, very free.
Kate, You've really captured the likeness in your sketch!
Sandybells, I liked the hair in the first one, It really caught the feel of the light shining through, though the right side as we look at it was did not take account of the shadow. You're doing a great job though. Looks difficult. Could you not play with the reference image to make the colour cooler, less yellow, to give you a better idea?
Mimi, fantastic sketch!
Gary, nice start! I like the base colours you're using.
Graham, that value map is a work of art in itself. Looks very complicated!
George, wow! Wonderful work in cp. How do you get the darks so dark?

[Ruthie57]

I've done a lot of work on this, many many adjustments. I'm still not happy with it but it looks more like Walter now. Unfortunately it still looks older than he actually is :o If I can't get it to my satisfaction it will be back to the drawing board.
But I'll press on with this and see how it turns out. Still some value adjustments to be done on the face.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Nov-2011/189061-3.jpg

["J"]

Ruthie...Another WOW.

[Journeyman]

Hi Lauren, Randa is a great model I can’t go wrong :)

Thanks for the explanation Graham.

Hi Ruth the Conte drawing is on some Ingres Paper and is just to get started, the oil is on a stretched canvas and is bigger than the drawing. Walter is looking great and if he looks older that’s OK he’ll grow in to it :)

:wave: Dave

[mimitabby]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Nov-2011/73379-brianxchange799.jpg

Ok, second sketch done. the next sketch i do will be on watercolor paper.
Zealander, what do you think?

[Randa2000]

Wow Dave , you really captured my likeness from the beginning in oil paints ,i also liked the conte drawing very much :thumbsup: thank you for your nice compliment :)

Ruthie you did great so far

George what a beautiful portrait and soft colors blended ,beautiful model too

Mimi ,nice sketch drawing

Gary very good portrait as usual

Sandra beautiful for a quick sketch

Walter very good work

Amrits good start

Lawrence as usual ,very admirable work i love your style

Deborah good start

Ishiprog good drawing

Kate good drawing


Jen good drawing for a quick sketch preparation for the next

Becca i always love your work and admire it

Tina wow very good one

Bethany i like to watch your WIP , interesting

[NancyMP]

I made a couple of sketches last night, but I usually start seeing the trees instead of the forest when I start that way - too much detail and not enough form. It's one of my failings. I draw too tightly. So I took a #8 Filbert and used some browns to do a block-in of Jen.

It's not accurate, but at this point there is nothing precious about it so I will change relationships, depths, and shapings in another hour when this is a little dryer. It's one of those smooth-gessoed boards, so it will help to have several layers going. The feel of her expression emerges.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Nov-2011/203830-Jen_Block-in.jpg

[GaryNorthants]

A little more, still pastel pencils so far
Best wishes
Gary

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Nov-2011/106728-wip3.jpg

[Turpintine45]

Hi Ruthie looking good. What size are you doing? I would say you have captured him well.
I'm going to do Nancy in pastel. I really enjoyed sketching her. I have had things to catch up with so will get to the next stage in a couple of days.

Nancy I can see me coming through already!

Gary looks great, I love how you add your colours.

[PaintingMum]

Just finished going through all the posts. All I can say is WOW. These are all great! Look forward to seeing them all finished.
I'm just about to make a start on Nancys portrait. Should've started over an hour ago, but read this thread first. Ok, I'll not procrastinate any longer.
Jaana

[inmystudio]

What a wonderful thing this portrait swap is to be a part of, the energy from this thread is almost jumping off the page :clap:

There are so many great works going on, I'm learning a lot. Love seeing everyones WIP and all the different colours that are used.

Graham talk about planning out what you are doing!! I'm sure to learn heaps watching your technique :D I'm so excited to watch my portrait been done, having myself painted is something I never thought I would do.


My son Ry came home from school the other day and said "how's the Graham tree going?" So here is the progress on what has be come known in my house as 'the Graham tree'.

I feel like all the hard work is done and from here on in it's all fun and games:crossfingers:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Nov-2011/210584-2011_11_09_1113.JPG

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Nov-2011/210584-2011_11_09_1114.JPG

[!becca]

There is such wonderful work appearing here. I will try to comment on them all at some point. This is all so inspiring.:clap:

Lauren, Ruthie and Randa thank you all for your encouragement. I had hoped to have Jeni painted by now, but there have been a few interruptions to getting back to my easel. I am looking forward to it immensely though. Maybe sometime in the next few days.:)

[PaintingMum]

Deborah what a fun picture :)

Here is my start on Nancy. 10x12 genesis heat set oils. I've got to dry this before I can continue. I noticed on the computer screen the nostrils aren't right, I'll fix that and work more tomorrow. Anyway c&c always welcome. Thanks.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Nov-2011/88188-Nancy.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Nov-2011/88188-Nancy1.jpg

[Ruthie57]

Another fab sketch Mimi. Hope Zealander comes along to check it out.
Nancy, I've met Jen and I can see her in that start!
Gary, coming along nicely.
Deborah, what a great idea!
Joana, good likeness already!
Regretfully I won't be able to work more on Walter today. I've just been staring at him and finding further tweaks are needed. I'm going to try to make him younger too!

[bluewindfisher]

What a wonderful thing this portrait swap is to be a part of, the energy from this thread is almost jumping off the page :clap:

There are so many great works going on, I'm learning a lot. Love seeing everyones WIP and all the different colours that are used.

Graham talk about planning out what you are doing!! I'm sure to learn heaps watching your technique :D I'm so excited to watch my portrait been done, having myself painted is something I never thought I would do.

My son Ry came home from school the other day and said "how's the Graham tree going?" So here is the progress on what has be come known in my house as 'the Graham tree'.

I feel like all the hard work is done and from here on in it's all fun and games:crossfingers:
Deb, this is going to be such a gift. Thank you so much!
Others on this forum would not be aware of the info we have exchanged in emails but trees are so much an important part of my spiritual breath. And the funny thing is that the suggestion made in jest at first was made before I had seen your wonderful fantasy trees. Synchronicity eh!
And I love it that your kids are involved! :)
The Graham Tree. I think you might have your title. LOL.
Now my title for your portrait is another matter. Unfortunately I can't think of any riddles to tease you. It's very politically incorrect I know, but the thought that keeps occuring to me is something around harems. Maybe it's the scarf. LOL.
Kindest regards
Graham

[juliajane]

I've spent the last half an hour trying to upload photos of my painting and it won't work - they are the right size and the right file type... I used Safari and Google Chrome and couldn't get it to work with either :crying: Help!

[bluewindfisher]

Ok, second sketch done. the next sketch i do will be on watercolor paper.
Zealander, what do you think?
I am not sure where Brian is at the moment Mimi, but this is definately the guy I have come to know and love.
My wife also knows Brian and her comment when I showed her the sketch was "Excellent, really excellant."
Regards
Graham

[juliajane]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Nov-2011/140757-melissa_flash.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Nov-2011/140757-melissa_no_flash.jpg

phew... well I downloaded Firefox and it worked.... but only with the bad photos I took on my camera, not the better one I took on my phone..

ANYWAY... I received my photo from Melissa today (mringey) and have done a sketch in burnt sienna wash on canvas. I haven't done many oil paintings so this is good practice.

I am overawed by the quality of the work on here! It's wonderful but slightly intimidating! :o

Melissa - I replied to your email but the email bounced back. It is not my day with computers!!

[bluewindfisher]

I've spent the last half an hour trying to upload photos of my painting and it won't work - they are the right size and the right file type... I used Safari and Google Chrome and couldn't get it to work with either :crying: Help! Not sure if this helps Julia, but I load my images into Photoshop and decrease the resolution from 300 pixels per inch to 72. It works every time. If you continue to have problems, feel free to PM me for my email address and you can email an attachment which I am happy to post for you.
Just had another thought. Email as an attachment to me and I will email back in its reduced size and you can post it.
Regards
Graham

[mimitabby]

oh I love the tree idea!!! it isn't too late for Zealander to request becoming a tree!!!

[mringey]

Julia -- the burnt sienna wash is coming along great! I can't wait to see the next step!! I hope to start yours tomorrow!

[Turpintine45]

Deborah, love the "Graham Tree"and will be interested in the finish! It sounds like you two were an ideal pairing. How did Kevin know!!

Painting Mum yours is coming along nicely.

Julia, amazed how a likeness comes out so quickly from runny paint.

I feel like I am running behind with all this fabulous art flying off the pages but I will get there! ( I hope)

[Journeyman]

The Grahame tree is such a wild idea plus the face is looking great Deborah :)
Great start Jaana, will your oil’s stay wet until you heat them up?
I like how you have started your portrait with a wash Julia it’s looking good already.
　
Working on Randa’s hair and shirt and also the background this afternoon. Will hopefully work on the face tomorrow.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Nov-2011/95424-Randa_SWAP_Oil_03.jpg

:wave: Dave　
　

[ErinEmily]

Wow everyone is doing very well with the exchange :thumbsup: I am very inspired after looking through all these. Gary I am really excited seeing your portrait of me :D Love it so far! Also really fun to watch the progress. I will try and post one of mine asap I was working on it today and was going to get a photo but sadly got distracted and the light left quickly as it often does at this time of year. *grumble grumble* stupid late fall not enough time to work and everything is so dark! Anyways I am really having fun seeing everyone's progress!

[inmystudio]

Thanks for all the comments on the Graham tree, it was Grahams crazy idea but I'm having fun with it.

I never have time to comment on every post... sorry :( So I've decided to try and comment on the last two pages whenever I post.

Ruthie I love how your painting of Walter is looking, he has a gentle friendly look about him. I feel like I'm having a conversation with him:)

Mimi Great sketch

Nancy Its amazing how her face is already there with so few brush strokes!

Gary I love the colours you are using it is so vibrant

Julia already there is so much expression there!

Jaana love the light and shadows

Journeyman I get a real sense of strength from Jaana portrait, she is beautiful.

Quote from Bluewindfisher [Unfortunately I can't think of any riddles to tease you. It's very politically incorrect I know, but the thought that keeps occurring to me is something around harems. Maybe it's the scarf. LOL.]

Graham :eek: Behave!! or I'll put a spider in your tree :evil:
I emailed my hubby who is traveling with work (he still has 7 months to go) a copy of my photo to show him what I've been up to, his reply was "Deb it's gorgeous, but you look so sad" my reply was "that's because,I miss you"

.....and I've done a little more.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Nov-2011/210584-2011_11_10_1120.JPG

[bluewindfisher]

Thanks for all the comments on the Graham tree, it was Grahams crazy idea but I'm having fun with it.
Quote from Bluewindfisher [Unfortunately I can't think of any riddles to tease you. It's very politically incorrect I know, but the thought that keeps occurring to me is something around harems. Maybe it's the scarf. LOL.]

Graham :eek: Behave!! or I'll put a spider in your tree :evil:

This is looking great Deb. A nest of red back spiders in the beard would be perfect. :)
Regards
Graham

[NancyMP]

I just scrubbed out the work I did last night. These extra-smooth panels won't hold paint! So I will save them for putting a coat of gesso on later, and start Jen again on canvas.

I think I may be ahead with this failure, though. The experience of trying to capture her face under circumstances that defeated me will help when I have a friendlier surface to work on!

I love the Graham Tree! And Julia, your start on Melissa is really nice - I'm confident you will create a good likeness from this start!

Dave, I'm sure Randa loves what you're doing here; it's looking real!

[Lauren F-M]

Ruthie -- great start to your portrait! :thumbsup:

Mimi -- also great start, with your sketch of Zealander! :clap:

Nancy -- Oops! :eek: Sorry that the support wasn't to your liking and you are starting again. Looking forward to seeing the new start. :thumbsup:

Gary -- you have a good start on that pastel pencil portrait. :thumbsup: Will you be using pastels as well? :confused:

Deborah -- your 'Graham Tree' is so charming! :D I love the sun rays you've added. What fun! :clap: Your portrait gets A+ for character!

Jaana -- I really like your portrait of Nancy, though I think her face should be a bit thinner. :D

Julia -- great block-in of Melissa. :thumbsup:

Dave -- Really nice work on your portrait of Randa. :clap:

[Turpintine45]

Nancy sorry you are having to start over. I'm always causing trouble so no surprise!
I will start on you in pastel tomorrow. Just hope I can capture you and maintain the high standard demonstrated here.

[PaintingMum]

Julia- a very captivating start!
Jen- Thanks.
Dave- the eyes are very good, keeps looking at me.:) and yes the genesis heat set oils stay wet and workable until heated.
Deborah-the Graham Tree is looking fab, love the sunbeams.
Lauren-Yes, I got up this morning and said oh dear where do I start.
So after some time spent fiddling with the paints (btw I didn't end up drying it yet), this is where I'm at. c&c please.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Nov-2011/88188-Nancy2.jpg
Struggled to get a good photo without glare this morning.:(

[juliajane]

Thanks for the help, Graham. I never used to have any trouble with the PC - only since I got the Mac. Hopefully Firefox will work every time.

Deborah - I love your graham tree - it's so beautiful! And the sun rays are a lovely idea!

Dave - that's a beautiful and lively painting!

Jaana - I love your painting the way it is. It has a loose and dreamy quality to it.. but I'm guessing that will change? :)

Hopefully I can do more painting tonight...

Thanks everyone for your comments

["J"]

I didn't do a very good job, but I did the best I could with the photo I had to work with. I hope Lorenzo likes it.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Nov-2011/84176-camera_011.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Nov-2011/84176-lorenzo_adj.jpg

On 11x14 watercolor paper. Watercolor, pen and ink, and white Conte pencil.

[inmystudio]

Jaana I love the colours, she just glows!

Jeanne it looks like you have captured a happy moment in time:)


I've been working more on Grahams face. Here is the gorgeous reference photo that I have chopped up and pushed around :o

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Nov-2011/210584-3.JPG

This is where I'm at now, I might even be finished by this weekend.

Then I'll just fiddle here and there until I'm forced to stop. Still lots of little tweaks to do with eye, nose and face shape.



http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Nov-2011/210584-1.JPG

[Randa2000]

Dave very nice and i like it , the only 1 thing is to watch out the side of the face ,which is right in the 1st stage :thumbsup:

Jaana good creative painting

Jeanne nice painting

Paintingmum nice brush strokes

here is my update and C&C please

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Nov-2011/121987-Dave0.JPG

[Fleffyjen]

These are all so lovely and coming along so well, Oh Becca, I haven't started yet, but my family have gone today and I have promised hubby I am going to lock myself away with your painting this weekend xxxx

[!becca]

Jeni, it will be a treat to see. Wonder which one you will paint?:D If my plans work out, I will be painting yours today. Hope it all goes as planned.

[George924]

What I really love about this whole project is the totally different styles and approaches to art, people share…this project is very overwhelming…it is hard to keep up with such an out put of comments and art work poring in every day. We are so very blessed with the WetCanvas community and relationships that have formed over the years.
For what ever medium, style, level of your art work this truly amazes me of all of the artists who have come together to share their abilities with each other. My deepest sincerity when I say I am honored to be amongst such talent…

[ishiprog]

Hi all,

think this one is in the final state. A little tweeking here and there. I hope ujwala will like it.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Nov-2011/198962-jokePortrait.jpg


:D :evil:

love you all :heart:

[theBoardLady]

Looks like everybody's moving along. Here is the first stages of my swap partner, Deanna. The flash didn't help so it looks kind of blurry but I have lots to go. I just hope I can meet the deadline.

BTW, this is a 12X16 clayboard. I'm using oils, ink, and acrylics.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Nov-2011/123973-DeannaWIP.JPG

[AmritS]

Lol, Wolfgang, it's perfect!

Hi all,

think this one is in the final state. A little tweeking here and there. I hope ujwala will like it.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Nov-2011/198962-jokePortrait.jpg


:D :evil:

love you all :heart:

[kevinwueste]

J - is that in watercolor ? wow! nice !
Randa - fantastic
Deborah nice progress - keep an eye on the tilt - he is tilting a bit to our left and the eye-line and mouth line match up fairly closely.. you are tilting things the opposite way ? (perhaps artistic license ?)..
Diane - coming along! - much different, I suspect, than scratchboarding!
Graham's photo is pretty fantastic!
of course Wolfgang's rendering of late is master-work!!!:D

I am not working on dollardays portrait.. if I can I will post a few progress shots later.. I think.. just working in raw umber at the moment.. enjoying getting going!

kevin

["J"]

J - is that in watercolor ? wow! nice !

Kevin yes I put that at the bottom of the pictures. It is watercolor, pen and ink, and a little White Conte pencil.

[kevinwueste]

Aah - that's what I get for looking at works so quickly - (reading is also useful!!).. ;-)

["J"]

That's ok Kevin. I miss a lot by reading thru things too fast. Then I will read something in someone Else's post and realize that I missed it.

[Journeyman]

Ha Graham Tree is coming alive with that streaming sunlight Deborah, good photo you are working from.
Starting to build up nicely now Jaana.
Great work on Lorenzo Jeanne, looks like he chose a photo from a happy day for him, I’m sure your painting will bring back the happy memories.
It looks more like me every time I see it Randa, terrific work I’m very excited about it. :)
Not sure if you have got the hair quite right Wolfgang :D
Interesting mixture of materials Diane, I’ve never come across clay board, is it the black background?

So here is the latest version from this evening, thanks Randa for picking out the side of the face was becoming displaced, I’ve corrected that and a few other things, still working on the values etc.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Nov-2011/95424-Randa_SWAP_Oil_04.jpg

　
Thanks to everyone who commented :wave: Dave

PS If anyone has any suggestions or thoughts for improving the look of this please let me know. :)

[!becca]

I was able to paint today...here is Jeni's portrait in progression. The photos aren't prefect, but you will get the idea. My yellows aren't showing up so well and a few other things. I will post a better pic of the painting when it is dry.

After about 3 hours...

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Nov-2011/100116-my_paintings_003copy4.jpg

about 30 min later...

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Nov-2011/100116-my_paintings_004copy4.jpg

another 30 min....

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Nov-2011/100116-my_paintings_008copy4.jpg


I am calling it finished less possible tweaks and signing.:)

[Randa2000]

Beautiful work Dave ,i like the colors too especially the hair

Becca great work as usual

[kevinwueste]

Ha Graham Tree is coming alive with that streaming sunlight Deborah, good photo you are working from.
Starting to build up nicely now Jaana.
Great work on Lorenzo Jeanne, looks like he chose a photo from a happy day for him, I’m sure your painting will bring back the happy memories.
It looks more like me every time I see it Randa, terrific work I’m very excited about it. :)
Not sure if you have got the hair quite right Wolfgang :D
Interesting mixture of materials Diane, I’ve never come across clay board, is it the black background?

So here is the latest version from this evening, thanks Randa for picking out the side of the face was becoming displaced, I’ve corrected that and a few other things, still working on the values etc.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Nov-2011/95424-Randa_SWAP_Oil_04.jpg

　
Thanks to everyone who commented :wave: Dave

PS If anyone has any suggestions or thoughts for improving the look of this please let me know. :)

DAve, take another look at her nostrils and compare both in size, shape and value to what you have here. most often, nostrils look better when they area a bit LESS dark then we perceive them - especially on a woman. also, the nostril wing on her right side is shown wrapping around ( which is often the case) but on the right, where there is more light - we might see even more information ? not sure but that looks like it is also worth another look at your ref.

Finally, the eye-line - it is often so even - especially on the lower lids and we tend to over-emphasize those curvatures - take a look and compare the medial canthus on both eyes ( e.g., inner tear duct) to see where they line up with each other.

I hope that can be of use!

Kevin

[Turpintine45]

Wow big:clap: To everyone you are all coming along so well!!
J. What a beautiful WC etc. You got a great likeness !
Becca, boy are you fast! Nice job.
Dave you are getting her nice work!
Wolfgang yes great job we should all be so creative:)
The board lady Coming along nicely.
Randa, lovely very natural looking portrait. Well done!

Well I worked some more on my sketch of Nancy and then started on the pastel. I thought it was be easier after the sketch but no I struggled with it.
Will post in a while.

[Turpintine45]

Well I downloaded my painting but it got distorted somehow. It does not look this bad although it is at the scary stage don't get frightened Nancy I will get it right. I think the sketch is almost there so the painting will get there too. I think it was how I took it. I left it at the studio so shall have to see if it looks as bad on Saturday!!!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Nov-2011/216461-IMG_7133_Medium.jpg

Now the pastel.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Nov-2011/216461-IMG_7134_Medium.jpg

[Indiana Kate]

My portrait partner, Roy, said not to worry about getting a likeness, but I would like to start off with a drawing that is close and see how much of a likeness I can acheive. So, Taking Kevin's advice, I worked with the photo some. First, I desaturated the photo, and increased the contrast to get the shape of the sadows.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Nov-2011/154568-Roy_cropped_bw.jpg

Second, I pushed the photo the other direction so I could see some shapes in the shadows.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Nov-2011/154568-Roy_cropped_bw_light.jpg

Like Graham, I like to start with lines that indicate value change. I will be working in watercolor, however. So, using the two B&W photos and the original, I came up with these lines:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Nov-2011/154568-Roy_lines.jpg

My first charcoal sketch is way up on page 7. Lauren, I think the proportions and placement of the features are better, but I'd be happy to make changes if you or anyone else sees a need.

This is crazy-fun.

Kate

P.S. Good Grief! On my paper the eyes look fine, but posted they look like they are aiming in two different directions. So, do I need to skoot his left eye toward his nose?

[kevinwueste]

!becca - that is excellent! great great work!!

Jen - hang on to those nice things you have going in the drawing - compare and analyze the eye-line with the mouth - should be quite aligned there..

Kate - that will turn out great! I would scoot them both in a bit.. compare.. or that inner canthus of his left eye ( our right) - you may have extended that a bit far..





kevin

[kevinwueste]

After a few hours today with my swap-mate's photos.. If I had more time I would keep working on it as I enjoy working wet-into-wet! Nora don't worry you will get more ... you than this..:o I fine tune these as I go ( drawing, and painting simultaneously)..


lots to do but really enjoyed diggin in today. This is on a 10 x 10 square canvas first toned with gesso mixed with neutral gray acrylic. Very thin painting just to get things down.. scumbling adjusting, scraping -- all that!
Line drawing stage/shadow shapes was a bit lazy but I was zipping around so it was rather a rhythmic excercise.. that was about 10 minutes in.. i get slower in the middles stages, then speed up, then slow way down toward the end and finishing things.. next round will see more paint and no mediums - except what the paints come in via tubes! oh - Oil paints are the thing here!:o

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Nov-2011/164138-dollardays_progress_11_9_11_about_3-4_hours.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Nov-2011/164138-dollar_days_3-4_hours_in.jpg

[Indiana Kate]

Thanks, Kevin. That is the kind of help I need!
Kate

[Turpintine45]

Thanks Kevin, will look at it with fresh eyes on Saturday. The sketch came relatively easy I don't know why I am having so much trouble now. Oh well on and onward!
Good work on yours Kevin. You make it look easy!

[Turpintine45]

Sorry Kate did not mean to ignore your detailed sketch. Looking good.

[GaryNorthants]

Decided that I wasn't really getting the right look to the pose I was using so started over with a more jolly one.
Gary

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Nov-2011/106728-2-wip-1.jpg

[dollardays]

Kevin: I have faith in you! You're an awesome artist. Can't wait to see what you do with my picture.

I have taken a few liberties with yours. :) (Hope you don't mind-- I get bored painting head and shoulders portraits).

I can always paint out the background but I couldn't resist adding some of the background images and props that were in your studio, especially when my artist's eye realized that the lighting on your drawing was the same as the lighting on YOU! What an opportunity! Also it relates to your profession as an art teacher so I thought it was really fitting!

I plan to keep the background as it is and add color to the head only and work the forms a bit more but basically everything is there now. I just need to keep my values simple because I planned this composition before I started and I think it really works. Hopefully will be able to finish tomorrow.

Thanks for the excellent photo you emailed today.

14" x 18" oil on linen

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Nov-2011/3589-Kevin-1.jpg

[mrking]

^^dollardays: nice stuff!!

All other WIP are looking good. Too many to comment on individually, sorry about that.

I did my initial block in tonight. Letting it dry overnight and will go at it again this weekend.

Working in oils on board. This is a weird size though. 11x20" Let's hope it is worth framing in the end. :D

Here is the start of it my painting of 'shubert'

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Nov-2011/108995-shubert01.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Nov-2011/108995-shubert02.jpg


Cheers,

Michael

[!becca]

Randa and Jen, thank you. In real life, the color is much richer, but right now, i just can't capture it.

Kevin, thank you as well. I am enjoying the wip of Nora, such a treat, I am used to seeing Nora's portraits more than portraits of Nora.:D

Nora, love your start as well.

[PaintingMum]

Great work everyone.:clap:
I think I'm near done but if anyone sees anything that should be adjusted please say so.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Nov-2011/88188-Nancy.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Nov-2011/88188-Nancy3.jpg

[NancyMP]

:clap:Jaana, that looks wonderful!:D

Here's the start I made on Jen, and abandoned because the slick gesso panel surface allowed absolutely no control of my paint!

Below that is the canvas panel I started tonight, which is much more amenable to brush strokes. She's still a bit pale here, but I've barely started to think of color yet. I've only started to finish on the left side, and I'll turn the panel upside down tomorrow to work on the right. (I'm right-handed.)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Nov-2011/203830-Jen_Block-in_2.jpghttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Nov-2011/203830-Jen_3_001.jpg

Critiques?

[ujwala]

nice job with the pastels wolfgang and i couldn’t take my eyes of that awesome line drawing! :angel::evil::D i'm away from home for a week and can start work only on my return.
have enjoyed going through all the great work already underway :clap::clap: trying to keep up as and when net access permits. :wave:
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[!becca]

Jaana, lovely work!

Nancy, beautiful...you have a great start!

[Dea]

I have made a start on Diane (the broadlady) Hopefully I can get to it on the weekend, I'll have to get myself into gear to catch up with the great start she has made on me. Diane don't worry about the deadline I don't mind if it is a bit late I know how you oil people have to wait for drying :D
Deanna
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Nov-2011/40985-swap.jpg

[Fleffyjen]

Becca asked me to post the ref photo of her lovely painting of me ... so here ya go!!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Nov-2011/207685-portrait101.jpg

[!becca]

Deanna, lovely work!


I just heard from Jeni and she agreed to have the ref pic posted, for some reason it doesn't show up in my files when I try. So, I asked her to post it instead.

Tweaked her eyes a little, tried to soften them..I may do more, but they are really a little darker than in the photo.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Nov-2011/100116-my_paintings_002copy4.jpg

[Fleffyjen]

PS that's not smeared makeup under my RHS eye... Just a strong shadow - I wasn't channelling a clown at the point I promise:(:D

[!becca]

Jen, you are beautifull in that photo..no apoligies. I will apoligize though.. my photo of my pianting just doesn't show the rich colors very well..I have that issue with wet paint. For now, you wil just have to take my word.

[Fleffyjen]

Oops Becca, my second post crossed with yours I meant in my photo NOT in your painting!! You dealt with it admirably !! Thanks for the kind words!! I only hope I can do you justice at the weekend xx

[lovin art]

Gees well done oily gf , a wonderful lively portrait of Jen... I think you should be very poud of this one Becc! :heart:

Looking wonderful Nance :D can't wait to see where this goes

Arh Jaana my swap partner from last year , well done I see no tweaks here giril great going !

Everyone's work in nothing short of fantastic on here !! Inspiring :D

[!becca]

Jen, I hope you like it when you receive it.:) I look forward to seeing what you do with mine.

Sandra, thank you!:heart:

[Ruthie57]

Wow! there's some wonderful work on here! Makes me feel both nervous and humble.
Walter's portrait is now at a make or break stage. It's becoming overworked and still doesn't seem to have the essence of Walter which I see in the photo. A few more crucial tweaks and, if I'm still not satisfied, I will be starting again from scratch...maybe having learned something from what I've done on this one.

[juliajane]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Nov-2011/140757-melissa_step_2.jpg

I am posting this on the condition that you don't freak out, Melissa. It will come good, I promise!!

I want to work on the hair before darkening the shadows and working on the eyes... and I might try to get a hint of the flowers and foliage in the background - hence the dark green start there.

(this photo was taken at night - hence is yellower than in real life)

[juliajane]

Jen - your drawing is great! I'm confident you'll get there with the pastel, too!

Kate - good job with the value map!

Kevin - well, of course yours is fabulous as always

Gary - I love the colours in this one

Dollardays - I love what you have done with this. Can't wait to see how it turns out.

Good start, Michael - interesting use of the grid with smaller boxes around the eye area. It's great to see how others work...

Jaana - looks beautiful to me!

Nancy - they both look good... but I can see why you prefer the second one.

Deanna - beautiful drawing... charcoal?

Becca - this is gorgeous and I love the fluidity

[dollardays]

PS that's not smeared makeup under my RHS eye... Just a strong shadow - I wasn't channelling a clown at the point I promise:(:D

LOL!!! Becca-- I think you have done a terrific job with some really CHALLENGING lighting. And it works nicely!

Nancy: I love this beginning. I have worked on those slick surfaces before and I don't like them either!

Dea: Beautiful drawing- I think you have a wonderful pose to work from and obviously a very good eye for form! :)

Paintingmum: I think you have a great likeness. I would like to see the forms of her shoulders defined as she seems to be floating a little.

Here is where I am with our fearless leader, Kevin. Open to changes Kevin- don't really want to finish the background though. Feeling lazy. (The guy leaning over behind you is the statue you were holding. I didn't put it in your hand because it looked too much like a weapon there. :cat: )

Great work everyone-- wish I had time to comment on all but I am off to work where I have the unlovely task of trying to retrieve all my data from a crashed hard drive! :crying: Bad week here.....

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Nov-2011/3589-Kevin-small.jpg

[mimitabby]

I am extremely impressed with the stuff i am seeing here. Heh, and there are so many of us that I am having trouble keeping it all straight. Let me rephrase that; i can't keep it all straight. I keep hunting for my partner but he is still mute. A friend of his tells me that stuff is happening. This weekend I willl have time to start painting. Please forgive me if I am not as specific with comments but I have been extremely distracted, with my husband in the hospital for 2 weeks AND COUNTING..

[!becca]

Julia, thank you.:)

Nora, thank you so much! Your painting of Kevin is wonderful..so much going on here! Sorry for your tech issues, at least the weekend is only a day away.

[stapeliad]

I am so enjoying everyone's amazing work! :clap: My painting is started and coming along nicely, having a lot of fun with it, but I want it to be a surprise for George, so I'll post the final plus progress shots when it is finished. :D

Kevin can we have a gallery thread with only the finished paintings? they would look great all together.

[ujwala]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Nov-2011/43741-wolfgang_wc.jpg

what can i say? late night sketch. i know there is little likeness but wolfgang, it's meant to be you!! :o
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[!becca]

The paint has settled a litte and as promised here is a better photo...as it cures more, photo quaility will improve more too.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Nov-2011/100116-my_paintings_006copy4.jpg

[lovin art]

Nora I really love your painting of our Kevin:clap: but please put some clothes on that nude behind him :eek: :D ! Just my oz humor , actully I love the background it's very concept to me, I also dig teacher boys can't wait to see what emerges here :clap:

Randa is looking quite beautiful Dave !:clap:

Julie off to a great start !

Becc yours is as said fantastic ! :clap:

I'm totally excited to get started , soon I hope :crossfingers:
Ps sorry if I miss anyone it's not intentional as I'm constantly looking on a small Peedly iPhone ! :$

[mimitabby]

please DON'T put clothes on the nude. I love your painting, it made me rethink my own.

[lovin art]

It was a joke if you read all of what I said there mini:) I totally love it as is !

[Turpintine45]

Joana, you have done a great job. I like your style.

Nancy you have got a good start on me. Love it!

Becca looks better every time!

Uwala hang in there. You have made a good start!

Mimi, hope your husband gets better soon. It is hard to be creative when loved ones are sick.

Dollar days Sir Kevin is looking great and very wise! Love what you are doing.

Julia thanks for the encouragement. I think you are doing great with yours. The colour will get there and the form looks good.

Ruthie hang in there girl I know it looks great.

Everyone is doing a fantastic job. Kudos to all. If I missed anyone sorry I will catch you next time.

[kazmik]

Wow there is some fantastic paintings here. I have made a start. Just getting a feel for the forms. Its 10x12 fine texture canvas. Just burnt umber at the moment.

Arghh can't upload the image. I'll try again in a bit.

Kaz

[NancyMP]

:clap:Nora, that is a great painting of Kevin! And all the additional studio fixtures make it certain that this is the portrayal of an artist and great teacher! I love how you make your colors bold and with the certainty that says, "I'm a painter! Very thoughtful and insightful work!:D

Becca, I can see a lot more shaping in the hand now that it's dryer. It's lovely!

Here's my afternoon session with Jen. Please feel free to critique! Her eyes are larger than this, and I'll focus on them in the next session.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Nov-2011/203830-Jen_5.jpg

[!becca]

Thank you, Sandra, Jen and Nancy.:)

Nancy, this is looking beautiful..such softness to it.:clap:

[mimitabby]

Jen looks GREAT! Don't make the eyes too big. I know i have a tendency to do that.

[kevinwueste]

Nora that looks great great!! I feel like a color member of mt rushmore!!! :)

I have done some more work with lights mostly today and some edges - much to do of course - today's work was taken in raking light so the canvas might be more prominent than IRL - (excuses etc.,) Soon it will be time to sort out the background and relate it to the foreground.. thinking thinking..

Becca nice update!,
Nancy that looks great as well - lovely !!

everyone great work.

Jessica - yes that's a good idea we can do a swap gallery for finished works ? let me verify that with the portraiture crew but I like the idea for sure.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Nov-2011/164138-nora_after_5_-6_hours_more_forms_and_light_vp.JPG

[!becca]

Kevin. I hope we can get the completion thread! I love your colors on Nora! And, thank you...I posted that pic for Jeni...I always have such photo issues.

[lovin art]

Wow Nance :clap: :heart: this is fantastic looking lots of feeling coming from her , and from your brushwork :D

K ~ you are doing a grand job there:clap: / mt'Rushmore or not;) either way you are rockin Sir W....:D


:clap:Nora, that is a great painting of Kevin! And all the additional studio fixtures make it certain that this is the portrayal of an artist and great teacher! I love how you make your colors bold and with the certainty that says, "I'm a painter! Very thoughtful and insightful work!:D

Becca, I can see a lot more shaping in the hand now that it's dryer. It's lovely!

Here's my afternoon session with Jen. Please feel free to critique! Her eyes are larger than this, and I'll focus on them in the next session.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Nov-2011/203830-Jen_5.jpg

[ishiprog]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Nov-2011/43741-wolfgang_wc.jpg

what can i say? late night sketch. i know there is little likeness but wolfgang, it's meant to be you!!

Hey ujwala,

you made me much younger than I actually am - you little devil :evil: .:D :D

It's like therapy for me to look at it! It's my birthday today and I'm a little depressed about the high number of candles on the cake :o .

Serious: It's a good and funny start !

[dollardays]

Interesting to watch me appear, Kevin. :) I can see myself emerging in the eye on our right! Hope you like the one I did of you-- let me know if you want something changed -- but if you want clothes on that nude you'll have to do that yourself lol.

Nancy- this is coming along beautifully- so soft and yet luminous! If I were Jen I would be thrilled!

And Happy Birthday Wolfgang! :music: :music: :music:

[ishiprog]

:o thank you dollardays:o

[NancyMP]

Wolfgang! Many happy returns for the day: 11-11-11! Mine's on Tuesday the 15th!

Thank you, Becca, Nora and Mimi!

Kevin, thank you, and you really have caught the feeling of Nora here... you both are really raising the bar for the rest of us - beautiful work!

Thank you, Sandicat!

[juliajane]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Nov-2011/140757-photo-48.jpg

I've added some hair colour - still haven't done the shadows and the eyes. I'm going to wait until this dries a bit before I do any more. I need to review the colours in the skin now the hair is there. I also mucked up the neck... oops.

This was taken with a flash inside - the background isn't dark like this but the hair and skin colour are close.

[juliajane]

Happy Birthday Wolfgang!

[Turpintine45]

Nancy I just love it! My eyes do tend to be squinty and small when I smile especially my right!!:wink2:

:music: Happy Birthday Wolfgang:music: it is mine at the end of the month too.

Kevin, fantastic work. I like the idea of a final thread parade for finished works too.

Julia nice update. Looking good!

[kevinwueste]

Interesting to watch me appear, Kevin. :) I can see myself emerging in the eye on our right! Hope you like the one I did of you-- let me know if you want something changed -- but if you want clothes on that nude you'll have to do that yourself lol.

Nancy- this is coming along beautifully- so soft and yet luminous! If I were Jen I would be thrilled!

And Happy Birthday Wolfgang! :music: :music: :music:

Nora - it looks cool.. I like it.. it feels .. "strong" !!

on thing that I am seeing ( though I may not be a good judge of - me!) - maybe you might take another look at my chin ? it might be just a tad long :o I mean, I know I have a huge head.. so who knows!

I just put in a test drive background on your portrait.. will sit with it for a bit and ponder..

[SillyBaZilly]

Wow. Everybody's work looks great.

[GaryNorthants]

A little update
Gary

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Nov-2011/106728-2-wip-2.jpg

[Dea]

wow! the paintings here are just getting better and better, I better get on with mine,
Deanna

[mringey]

Everyone is so speedy and all the works are so fun to see come along!

Julia, Yours of me is really coming along beautifully -- you're really getting the form and lights well -- looking forward to more! :) :) :wave:

Here is yours as of today. I have much more to go, lots and lots of adjustments and modifications needed, so hopefully I can post early this next week!

I hope to comment on everyone's work as well then!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Nov-2011/78516-Julia_MR_72.jpg

[mimitabby]

wow, Julia is beautiful!

[kazmik]

Yah! I got my pic to upload. As I said earlier, it's just the underpainting in burnt umber. 10x12inches. Starting to see the forms emerging, but Ryan is in there somewhere!

[ujwala]

Happy Birthday Wolfgang! glad i had something to post on your day! Hope you've had a wonderful day and all the best for the year ahead! i'm going to go back underground now and surface when i've something more to show... once i get back home! :wave::wave:

the work on this thread this year has been exceptional! i think a lot of it has to do with the pre-work kevin made us do on the ref pics. good job kevin! :clap::clap:

[juliajane]

Wow, Melissa! Looks great! When I showed my 6 year old son he said, "She's an even better drawer than you are!" :lol: And thank you for tidying up that eyebrow :wink2:

[sunychka]

So many nice works here!!! :clap::clap::clap:So different! And so cool! :thumbsup:
I will not post my WIP now. But when I'm finished, I will post the final picture with some pics of the process...
Let it be a surprise for Corey! :D
And I love the idea about putting all the portraits in a separate thread after! :thumbsup:

[bethanyt]

Clive's update as of this afternoon. Some softening needed, the photo is showing the darks much stronger than they area.
I will take a daylight photo in the morning.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Nov-2011/110135-cliveg4.jpg

It is so great to see everyone's portraits progressing- such an encouraging sight to see you all getting involved! :wave:

[juliajane]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Nov-2011/140757-photo-49.JPG

Apologies - even though this picture appears the right way up on my computer it keeps uploading it sideways. I give up!

Question - Melissa is standing in front of a lovely camellia bush with pink flowers - you can see a peek in the corner of the photo on the drawing board. I am trying to just suggest foliage and flowers without painting them because I thought it would be too distracting. Is it still distracting like this? Should I keep the background plainer? I think it might look better when I bring more darks into the face and hair - hurry up paint and DRY! :lol:

[juliajane]

Gorgeous work, Bethany!

[lovin art]

Kazmik, Yes thats Ryan for sure, I think you need to take a look at his forehead on the pic its slightly angled back , yours is to straight and not the shape it should be , also the ear may need a look as I think its to big , we all have a tendicey to over emphasize the facial features ... , just some thoughts while your working this to ponder ...:)


Miss Beth:clap: :heart: , Wow is that Oils ? Nice strong pORtriat of Clive , looking good Beth !:D

Really Lovely work Juila:clap: , not sure if my screen reads right it seems very on the yellow side:confused: , I would just give a mere blur of them the flowers , as its her you want the focus on ... so your gut instinct is right ... I must listing to my own more too ... :rolleyes: :D

[juliajane]

Thanks, Sandra - yes it is a bit yellow - perhaps not as yellow as in this picture. I am waiting for the paint to dry so I can glaze over it. Will try to blur the flowers a little more...

Wow - did someone rotate it for me? It's not sideways anymore! :clap:

[juliajane]

Hey sandra - Just got my fan brush and gently blended the background. Much better - thank you. I have been staring at the painting all day an written a list of things I want to fix.... How long does paint take to dry? :)