First portrait for many years!

[MichaelR]

I am normally a landscape plein air painter but I have just joined a portrait class and this was my first effort. The model sat for two 45 minute sessions and I decided that I was not getting anywhere after 15 minutes of the second session as the model had moved slightly and was obviously tired, with her posture slumping. It was a real struggle so any advice anyone can give will be gratefuully received!

"Marieka" 12"x10"

[NancyMP]

Michael, the only thing that changed, and that was probably due to the slump, is that the head is too tall. Heads are like a ball with a cone attached. It would be fairly simple to bring down the top of the head and hairline, and maybe fluff out her head and hair at juncture of the ponytail.

I've noticed in life sessions that in a long pose, models often untense as they pose, and it becomes more natural to work with it if one bears that in mind while painting or drawing. I have modeled in the past, and you would be surprised how much effort it costs to get into the exact position and try to hold it for fifteen minutes.

Here's a bit of a guide for altering this portrait:

[carolkay]

I love your flesh tones and soft grey's.

[bethanyt]

Hey Michael- I wish my first efforts at painting from life were anywhere near as good as this! I always try to get the block-in as quick as I can. Then the tones and eye shapes, feature positions. Details like eyelids and lip last of all. Then if the model has slumped, eyes relaxed you can indicate those details.
It never gets easy- just so you know!!

[MichaelR]

Originally Posted by NancyMP

Michael, the only thing that changed, and that was probably due to the slump, is that the head is too tall. Heads are like a ball with a cone attached. It would be fairly simple to bring down the top of the head and hairline, and maybe fluff out her head and hair at juncture of the ponytail.

I've noticed in life sessions that in a long pose, models often untense as they pose, and it becomes more natural to work with it if one bears that in mind while painting or drawing. I have modeled in the past, and you would be surprised how much effort it costs to get into the exact position and try to hold it for fifteen minutes.

Here's a bit of a guide for altering this portrait:

That is great advice! You have put your finger straight on the problem better than I could have hoped. I won't bother to change it but remember it for the mistakes! I never change my landscapes either, just move on to the next one for a fresh set of challenges but I hope the extra discipline of the life class will help my landscape work!

[MichaelR]

Originally Posted by bethanyt

Hey Michael- I wish my first efforts at painting from life were anywhere near as good as this! I always try to get the block-in as quick as I can. Then the tones and eye shapes, feature positions. Details like eyelids and lip last of all. Then if the model has slumped, eyes relaxed you can indicate those details.
It never gets easy- just so you know!!

Hi Bethany! Thank you for the encouragement! I wasn't sure how to tackle this at all. In about an hour there is no time really for underpainting, just working from a block in and trying to refine the image wet in wet. I did wonder whether to tonk it or scrape back half way through but thought there wasn't really enough time left. I am sure it won't get easier and after a day out painting in the rain the bright studio lights are a bit of a shock, shame the class isn't in the morning really!

[MichaelR]

Originally Posted by carolkay

I love your flesh tones and soft grey's.

Well that is kind of you Carol, but as I don't really know what I am doing I just carried on using my landscape palette which is Cobalt Blue, Cobalt Violet, Cad Red, Cad Yellow, Trans Red Oxide, Burnt Umber, Yellow Ochre, Naples Yellow, Underpainting White. Quite earth biased really.

[LGHumphrey]

I think it's glorious but the bridge of her nose needs to be shaved down a bit.

[MichaelR]

Originally Posted by LGHumphrey

I think it's glorious but the bridge of her nose needs to be shaved down a bit.

Absolutely right! The other thing is that the model had a break after 45 minutes and when she started again her hair had fallen over her forehead and ear and I don't think she understood when she was asked to correct it so her ear is only blocked in and looks like she has a rather nasty growth in it. I will have another go in a week or two and see if I can retain all the great advice I have received here!

[George924]

love the cool color scheme here...relaxing

[MichaelR]

Thank you George! You have all been very kind and encouraging. I have now signed up for the year starting in early Feb. Can't wait to try another one!