Dalou's "Bather" - Casein painting

[dbclemons]

This is a new casein painting of mine. It's based on a photo of a sculpture by the late 19th century French artist Aimé Jules Dalou.

It's made using Iddings Deep Color paint I purchased recently, and am testing out. The painting is @ 8x10" on wood panel. I also used beeswax paste for the texture of the background rocks.

[JamieWG]

It's beautiful, David. I love the warm colors and cool highlights. How are you liking the workability of the new paints?

Jamie

[Old Tex]

Very nice, David. Beautiful color!

[meglyman]

Wow... it glows!

[dbclemons]

Thanks folks. That glow was something I was aiming for (soft edges.) The paints are handling quite nicely I think.

[Sonia]

I asssume this is a bronze sculpture? - you've certainly achieved that metallic glow.

[Bringer]

Hi,

This is what one can call «classical beauty».
Well done !

Best regards,

José

[dbclemons]

I suspect it is bronze; although, it wasn't stated in the book. The photo was much darker and colored differently which is more typical of bronze. I went for more of a gold metal.

Thanks Jose.

[cmwynn]

Lovely rich, antique colors. I had not heard of these paints, will look into them. The modeling is outstanding, you obviously know how to paint a figure very well, no matter the medium.

[pinkrybns]

Interesting. Can you explain to me how you used the bee's wax paste?
You know how curious I am!

[dbclemons]

Wow, thanks Connie! That's quite a complement.

Judy, re: beeswax, I have a pre-mixed jar of wax paste I had made of melted white beeswax and turpentine (1:3). I scooped out a small amount and mixed it into my paint. It turns the paint into a thick clay-like paste which I applied with a paint knife for the rock background. It's not on there all that thick, however - not any thicker than undiluted paint. I added a bit of emulsion to it to be able to smooth it out with a brush in places. The emulsion also helps harden the wax more.

Here's a closeup of the right corner.