When my daughter was home for Christmas, I asked her to sit for me. She was working on a few design projects for her flat, and sat down to sew some flags. The light coming in over her shoulder was something I wanted to capture.
I had toned the canvas with a bright yellow-green to give it a sense of light. I set up the easel and blocked it in while she sewed.
oil on canvas 40cm x 50cm
This is after about 40 minutes.
After a break- I got her to freeze while I confirmed the hands position.
This is where I was after about a further 40 minutes
It stayed like this for a few weeks while I worked on other paintings.
Then I used photos to work on it some more.
I got to a part when the head and face were not working- so I think I scraped it off twice. The values are very close together on the face, lit by reflected light bouncing off the table.
The face colours are very cool and the transitions so subtle- that it defeated me for a while. I put it aside again.
Then, I was determined to get it finished. As I worked to get my colours mixed and the brushstrokes blended- gradually it came together.
I will work to get the background more complete, but I am feeling much better about the painting.
thanks for looking!
Some come easier than others, as you know- glad you see a likeness.... and I doubt very much that I have much to teach you- your paintings certainly speak for your skills. 
(I would have loved to associate with the likes of Degas! 
)
Linear Mode
