Wednesday, April 21, 2010

First Born 12x12 oil

I think it is done. I can't tell you how I struggled with finishing this painting. It was truly a tug of war in a push pull way. I would get an area going and lose the likeness. I was overly hyper focused because he is my son and there are things about his face that are what make him...well him. Trying to get the tip of his eye lid and the curve of the lower lid as it wraps around the cheek bone returning to the interior of the nose was worked and worked again. And I found the difference of a brush stroke to capture the nose or not was kinda frustrating, but when I got it I left it alone. This looks like a profile, but is not with the suggestion of just a little of the far side showing. I wanted to get it right without tightening up. So, I took it to Cynthia Grilli's class to get help. One of my biggest problems was not having a good photo. There are decisions and directions to consider. She helped me commit to a light source that would best serve this painting. I think it has more depth and dimension than it did yesterday. I am sure I will tweek one or two more things before I really call it done. I am pleased with the results and will continue on with my next painting in this series.
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7 comments:

Carol Blackburn said...

I suppose it was much like giving birth to him all over again. Like I said the other day, you did him proud.

Dana Cooper said...

Dori, the painting that you did on this today really brought a really good painting to a new level...well done!

Marian Fortunati said...

It's beautiful.... I LOVE the blues of the lights on his face... They just make this painting SHINE!!!
Way to go!

Jala Pfaff said...

This is great.
Handsome kid you've got, too. :)

Kerri Settle said...

This is a wonderful portrait. Those touches of blue really do make it sing.

Vern Schwarz said...

This looks very well painted Dori. The highlights and light coming in from the left really make it pop.

Kate said...

I think it looks amazing. Of all the ones you've done so far, I think this bares the most resemblance. Great work.