Hair's the Thing

"Butch"

Oil on Canvas, 6" sq., c. Catherine Vines

   

AKA "My Favorite Critic." Alias, "My Least-Favorite Critic."

The best part about Butch is you never have to wonder how he feels about something. With this painting, he doesn't like the shapes in his face. But since I'm all about painting shapes...!

It was bad enough trying to paint his hair, but then he had to go and have a mustache. How inconsiderate.

Painting Hair - Things to Learn

"Staring Intently"

Oil on Canvas, 8" sq., c. Catherine Vines

   

I'm still not satisfied with my model's hair.  

However, I found a great resource on WetCanvas, "Tips on Painting Hair." Among the tips they offer are:

• The darkest parts are behind and around the ear.
• Highlights have the most texture (I tried that here and am not so sure).
• Like everything else, paint values!
• Be sure hair models the shape of the head.
• Extend flesh tones into the hair line.

Now to work on putting them into effect.

Starting a New Portrait

"Intently Staring" - In Progress  

Oil on Canvas, 8" sq., c. Catherine Vines

   

I came back from our recent trip to the coast with some great photographs, including the portrait I recently posted, "Squinting in the Sun."

This young woman, who doesn't look so young at this stage, caught the largest snapper of the day. I assure you, the men were all jealous.

As for me, I was busy painting the world's worse landscape.

Even though I think of my blog as a place to let it all hang out - the good, the bad, and the ugly - I'm not quite that brave!

Painting Children's Portraits

"Lauren"  

Oil on Canvas, 6" sq., c. Catherine Vines

   

I rephotographed this painting three times and now - that I am actually posting it - I notice she's pop-eyed, in my painting only. In real life her eyes are an exciting feature, so full of energy and life, as is she.

I can't say that I'm satisfied - when can I ever say that - but it's time to let it simmer on the back burner.
I'm having such difficulties lately I'm beginning to think my previous success at painting portraits was a fluke.
But I still believe in practice!

Working in Shapes for a Portrait

"Lauren" - In Progress III 

Oil on Canvas, 6"in sq., c. Catherine Vines

   

I am trying not to overwork this portrait. My strategy is to concentrate on the large shapes and work from there. 

Unfortunately I notice that among my large shapes I have moved the nose off-center. Remind you of anything?

I need to come up with a system to keep some reference marks until towards the end. At least, I think that's what I need. Any suggestions?