Portraits were a new endeavor for me this year. I had never really painted them before. And portraits challenged me. The masters can vary shades to create the shape of the features of the face. I am working on that, but the detail I wanted eluded me.
Then I come across a collection of french portraits in the east building of the National Gallery of Art, from the late 1800's and early 1900's, and the answer is there. Slight outlines of the nose, eyes, chin, in a dark color, allowing the sketch to show through in the final painting.
A creative solution, to a challenge to my creativity. Yes I should or could have learned this decades ago, but I didn't. I may be an old dog, but I am still learning to be creative.
And they say you can't teach old dogs new tricks.....
ReplyDeleteWoof woof roll over.
DeleteMy pick is the last painting.
ReplyDeleteLooks like someone's mother.
DeleteI mean, not one of these faces are "perfect," which maybe why I enjoy looking at them.
ReplyDeleteAs Carol Burnett said in the original 'The Four Seasons' when her husband called her "perfect":
"When I'm perfect I cease to exist."
Ugly faces, useful technique
DeleteIt's good to learn new skills.
ReplyDeleteMay we keep learnig.
DeleteYou do a good job of challenging yourself!
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed it.
DeletePortraiture is endlessly fascinating and endlessly challenging.
ReplyDeleteGood for you I say! 💪🏻 I did some portraits in high school and college. They are always a challenge.
ReplyDelete