Primate - Second Try.

After painting a  portrait of a `primate' recently - in other words a great ape -  it did not turn out quite how I wanted so I have had another try. Before starting I looked at all the possible variations using the ipad app Waterlogue, not in order to copy but see what other possible approaches there were to the subject.  My conclusion was that I needed to define the facial area much more, particularly the overall shape, while treating the surrounding areas - the hair - in a much less detailed manner. At the same time I wanted to continue with a colourful approach, including, in Charles Reids words `arbitrary colour', defined  by him as colours that aren't actually there. The original colours on the guide photo are basically combinations of brown and gray, on the dull side if followed faithfully.

`Primate' 16" x 12" Centenaire 140lb (300gsm) not

I began with a  loose but careful drawing, at least as careful as I'm capable, with the only real detail around the eyes and nose, using a  2B pencil rather than a mechanical one. I've been using pencils at the Bath Portrait course and I can see some advantages in doing so.

As you can see there are colours aplenty, Cerulean Blue, Quinacridone Gold, Translucent Brown, Ivory Black , Burnt Umber, Ultramarine Violet, Quinacridone Coral, Phalo Green, Cobalt Blue Deep and  ???  Regardless of what the `Painting Police' say I just want to have fun!