All Skin Is Orange

This is my completed study from today's portrait class. The model's skin was a very light orange. I was told all skin is orange. Darker skin is just a darker orange.
I need to remember to put value changes in the hair. The brow is a little high. I was told the neck is good. I am very happy with the instruction.

My Husband - Second Sitting

I had my husband sit long enough so I could correct the study from last time. Doesn't he look cranky? He was actually reading so he wasn't cranky just concentrating.
Which brings me to an understanding for all married artists' spouses. If you voluntarily marry an artist, you automatically become a model.

My Husband

My husband promised me for weeks he would sit long enough so I could do a quick study. He managed to sit a whole 45 minutes without squirming too much. I will work on this more tonight to correct my painting. I will turn on a movie for him to watch while I finish the study.

Behind the Mask

Behind the Mask is a piece I created out of low fired clay. There were two firings involved. The second firing was done in the raku kiln my wonderful husband helped me build. It is pretty simple. Pig wire, ceramic blanket, ceramic buttons, high fire wire and a paid of dollar store handles for the lid.
I haven't done masks in a few years but now that I am taking portrait classes I think I would like to do some more. They were fun pieces to create.

I Am Not a Patient Model

I did a self portrait this afternoon but I am not a patient model. So... I painted this with a few strokes and said "Good enough".
I included in today's blog posting yesterday's portrait class lesson. The instructor corrected this study to show me how to improve it. It is not all my work so I can't take credit for it.
The model was sitting with his head slightly tilted and I kept trying to level the eyes. One was higher than the other but, instinctively, we all want to make things level whether they are or not. Isn't that funny?
The instructor reminded me that you can use any color as long as you get the correct value. Notice the red on nose and cheek.
Good lessons.

Going Gray

I am painting limited palette quick studies to reinforce drawing and values. Check uot the grays on my palette. Here is my full sun study. It took me about 30 minutes. I found the darkest values and had to remind myself to compare.

Here is a Limited Palette Study

Here is a limited palette study that I painted today in about 30 minutes of stacked coffee cups. I got the idea from the Daily Challenge website. It was setup on the patio in about 94 degrees, so I rushed it and I wanted a nap. Shame on me since I didn't spend much time on it.

Portrait Painting For A Week and A Half

I have jumped back into painting portraits. I am taking a class and then showing up for open studio with a live model.
In class, I asked for help with the portraits from the instructor, Debbie. She expertly showed me how to improve the studies. It was an excellent lesson in both cases.
So,here is the past week and half studies.
The first study, with the green head scarf, you can see where I mixed too dark a color for the jaw. I struggled with the nose and Debbie demonstrated how to correct it.
The painting with the dark skin model was improved with highlights.
The last painting is from the open studio without instruction. I put the models heads too far down the canvas. I struggle with the hair and need to learn how to paint it more effectively.
Great lessons. Oh and if I haven't said it before, the more you learn with art, the more you realize you don't know.

Limited Palette Study

Here is my limited palette study. I used c. red, c. yellow, yellow ocher, ultramarine blue, black and white. I tried to paint it quickly but I had to stop in the middle to get my laundry. This is painted on an 8X8 canvas.

Glass Study

Here is yesterday's glass study. I need to finish the stage 4 and correct my drawing.

Watercolor Cat

Here is a watercolor study of a cat. I hadn't worked in watercolors in awhile and took a few hours to work on one. A little tight for me but I think that is the influence of the oil painting.