A Watercolor Portrait of My Mother

"Ginny at 19"  

Watercolor on Paper, 16x24", c. Catherine Vines

   

Having posted a picture of my father at about the same age, this posting seemed only fair.

While there is much about this painting I could improve, I got the expression in the eyes exactly right.

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?

Painting Hair is Tricky

"Savannah"

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

   

I still see some opportunities to improve this, but I seemed to be loosing my ability to make a decision. Definitely time to quit.

The whole hair thing: way harder than I realized.  Most important seemed to be to frequently get back from my canvas. It still bothers me that the darks are not well integrated, but for now - it's finished.

Not incidentally, she is an amazing child.  She once confessed that sometimes she studies on her own, "just for fun!"

A Photo Can Show a Painting's Weaknesses

Portrait - In Progress V

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

I thought I was done until I saw the photos. Even bad photos like this (low light and reflections) can show where a painting still needs work.

In this case, her left jaw line is still wrong. And the dark accents in the top of her hair stand out like a sore thumb. Her lips don't have enough dimension. Stop!

One thing at a time.

Until tomorrow.

Repainting a Mouth

Portrait - In Progress IV

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

   

I blogged yesterday about the problems when I get my measurements off.

Today you see the results.

This is when I am envious of those who complete a daily painting. I find it so hard to walk away, to see it as a lesson learned for the next painting.

I suppose it comes down to loving the painting process more than the completed product.

How Much Should I Draw First?

Portrait In Progress III

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

   

I was a little intimidated by this pose, so I did more drawing than usual before I started painting. As a result, I trusted my marks rather than constantly checking my proportions.

It resulted in a wonderful likeness from the bottom of the nose up. Then everything got scrunched, for want of a more technical term.

My work here is not through!