Self Portrait 2

I thought this was pretty much finished, but I still see a few things I should fix.

So, I think I’m approaching this in a better way now.

I’m still working on this. Unfortunately, it’s going through a rough patch right now.

I started another self portrait today. My eyes look a little odd at this point. The painting didn’t get off to the best start, since it fell on my palette (twice). : /

Exploring the Basement

On the Stairs

Portrait of Veronica - alla prima

2 comments

William Harris

Though it may be the way the image is coming through my computer screen, this feels like a new painterly process for you. Is it? More textural flesh tones? Very intriguing!

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July 29, 2011

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Stephanie

My painting style changes depending on the artwork I am looking at a lot at the time. Sometimes I think more about the colors, textures, and luminosity; however, those paintings don’t turn out as realistic looking. At other times, I am so taken by Jeremy Lipking’s subtle colors that I try to emulate his work.

I think that Juan Jr Ramirez’s insightful comment on Facebook will influence my process going forward.
“I see that a lot of the paintings that i adore dont have many value changes and but there is definitely a contrast. Sargent said subtlety can be overstated. Stand back to correct the value you put for it may be too drastic. Perhaps as a rule of thumb no need to put it the subtlety that you see. Tips to control subtlety, Mass in the head without including these things, eyes, eye brows, nostrils, lips, any reds, any highlights, and any shadows (but include the major shadow plane).”

It’s kind of a shame that adding more detail detracts from the realism. It takes a lot of discipline to master Ramirez’s suggestions. I also wonder what balance of style is right for me. I love subtle, realistic paintings so much, and yet I find myself driven to add highly saturated color. I haven’t quite rectified this yet.

Like: 2

July 29, 2011

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