Not being really satisfied with my first attempt at Chief Washington I thought I'd have another try. I decided not to be too hung up over how close the resemblance was and re-visited one of my favourite Charles Reid books `The Natural Way to Paint'. When I told Charles this was one of my favourites he seemed surprised but I can only say the chapter on features is one I've studied many times.
Chief Washington 16" x 12" Fabriano Extra White Artistico 140lb (300gsm) not
I approached the previous version in a different way to my normal practice and this is even more `way out' if that's the right word. Actually I'm somewhat apprehensive about possible reactions. These Indian portraits are tough using these old monochrome photographs, with so much detail obscured and I find it hard to know what to do with these `missing' areas.
Skin colours were Burnt Sienna, Raw Umber and Cobalt Blue/ Cerulean. Also some Cadmium Red and Translucent Brown. The hair was a mixture of Ultramarine Blue, Raw Umber and Burnt Sienna. His clothes are Raw Umber and some Gold Ochre.
I only used three brushes, the Isabey No 6 retractable for the features and the Escoda Kolinsky retractables sizes 8 and 10.
I don't suggest for one moment that this is good just an experimental painting trying different ways of tackling this subject. I won't be posting much this month as we're moving home on the 10th, and also going on holiday on the 13th for a week. I didn't anticipate that these things would be so close together but that's how it has worked out. As a result I'll be offline until at least the 23rd when my cable company are scheduled to install broadband et al in my new home.
5 comments:
With no comments I'll take that as a thumbs down. Not surprised. If you can't say anything good then say nothing - that's what I say. (grin).
Don't think you should assume that Peter. I have had no comments either this time which is also unusual. I think you are making obvious progress with the skin tones so you should not give up yet. I wish you did not need the silly codes , this is my third attempt to read them and post you a comment. Maybe others are struggling too.
Thanks for comments Yvonne. I think it could have been more subtle - a bit too much `in your face'.
Unfortunately I had to introduce the codes as you call them due to a vast and increasing amount of spam posts. It had reached more than fifty a week and rising, each one having to be deleted individually. Once I did that the spam stopped. I have the same problem with them on your site, although lately they do seem a little easier to read.
Did not know that they are present on my site, Peter. I certainly did not request them. Learn something new every day!
You can turn them on and off Yvonne but if you turn them off the spammers will appear in increasing numbers.
Post a Comment