More work on Jim

So here's what I like on this one : the hair and sunglasses.  What I don't like is the outline of his goatee below his lip.  I need to soften that and lose the edges there.  I did a bit of wash for the background but I will add more later.  Same with his shirt.  I want to keep it loose but the area on our left is not finished.  For now this is on the wall bulletin board for a rest and a fresher outlook.

A couple finished pieces

I'm pretty happy with the way these boots turned out.  This is one of the pieces where Soon really focused on having me add LOTS more color and pigment.  I really like the look.  My son of course has already said that he wants the one for his next gift!  Still spoiled at 43 years old!

Here's the completed piece of the little African girl.  I'm anxious to do this again on my own and not in Soon's class.  I want to see if I learned what she was trying to impart.  There are a few changes I would make such as cropping most of the clothing out.  I think I would like the focus to just be on her face.

Brazos

Ok, so I have some issues with this.  First I don't like what is happening with the scarf and clothing and I'm not sure what to do with that just now.  I like the face.  I liked what was happening with the hat in the last post.  Then Soon decided that it should be darker.  After darkening it, I feel like it doesn't have much character now.  I'm really in a flux between Soon's methods and style and those of Ted Nuttall.  I love his loose looking style and the very painterly look.  Soon's work is much more detailed and tight looking, which I really love for some subjects and I am anxious to incorporate that into my own style.  I know that if I ever get a commission for a portrait, that her style would probably be the one most folks would choose.  I know I have alot to learn from Soon and she is already getting me to use more pigment and not do such pale and weak colors.  That is a good thing!!!

So I'm thinking that I need to do some portraits on hot press paper in Ted's style and keep on improving on learning to do that better.  At the same time, I want to really work on learning as much as possible from Soon so that I can paint in her style too.  Good thing I don't have a full time job!!!!  LOL!!  I'd never get to accomplish all that I want.

Progress on Brazos

I'm really pleased with how this is looking.  I took the masking off of the hair against his hat and did a light wash of a lighter version of the hat.  I think it looks pretty good.  First time I have tried that!  I have also done some work on his clothes.  This is on Arches 140# stretched cold pressed paper.  My intention was to do some of the pattern in his scarf but I have changed my mind and erased the pencil drawings I did of those designs.  Before I attempt something that detailed on a real painting I think I will do some practicing on scrap paper to see the results. 

My husband, Jim

Thought I'd take a stab at doing a painting of this shot of Jim from one of our vacations a few years ago.   Of course I still have work to do but I think it is turning out pretty well. This is on 300# Arches cold pressed.

Gavin and Lucah Finished

I have finished these two paintings and will be matting and framing them this week.  I'm pleased overall and think I learned a few things along the way.  I have to thank my fellow blogger, Bob Witte, for critiquing and helping me to adjust certain areas.  Always nice to have another set of eyes to see something.

Brazos

Brazos is one of the cowboys I photographed back in May in Fort Worth.  I have done a painting previously and posted it as a WIP on June 25.  I really like this picture of him and decided to take another stab at it yesterday.  I'm pleased with it so far.  I can really see the improvement I have made when I compare the two.  I used a bit of masking on the wisps of hair against his hat.  Hopefully that will work out OK.  Didn't think I could successfully paint around those little grey hairs.  I also made an attempt to depict the rough texture of his skin. I also want to get some of the detail in his scarf and that will take some time and detailed drawing.  As usual I couldn't wait to get started on his face and hat so this is where I am at this point.  This is on 140# Arches stretched cold press.  Not my favorite weight paper but it is fine if I take the time to stretch it.  I have a bit of it in my stash and need to use it.  Good paper is by no means inexpensive but well worth it in terms of results. 

Thanks for reading!